Sint-Theodarduskerk, church in Belgium
Sint-Theodarduskerk is a parish church in Beringen built between 1939 and 1943 by architect Henry Lacoste and known as a mine cathedral. The building features a single-nave cross design with red brick walls, a bell tower rising more than 71 meters, and ornamental brick patterns including a series of pointed arches on the exterior.
The church was built during the coal mining era to serve the growing mining community with a place of faith. In 1985 it received protected monument status, recognizing its importance as a testament to the region's industrial heritage.
The church was built by and for the mining community as a place of prayer during the coal industry's peak. The building still expresses the pride and strength of the workers who made the area their home.
Group visits to the interior require advance booking with a guide who explains the building's details. On the first weekends of the month and special heritage days, the church opens for free visits, while summer months offer a free light art installation to explore outside.
During summer months the church is illuminated by the Cloisterrama art installation, where 68 pointed arches glow in 11 bright colors. This colorful light display highlights the architecture while symbolizing diversity and inclusion in a modern interpretation of the historic building.
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