St Martin's Church of Aalst, Gothic church in Aalst, Belgium
St Martin's Church is a Gothic house of worship in Aalst with pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and masonry work built in the 15th century. The medieval construction displays typical features of that era with its structural elements visible throughout the interior and exterior.
The church was founded in 1480 and served as the only parish church in Aalst until 1868. This long period as a central gathering place made it a core institution for the community's religious life.
The church holds a significant altarpiece painted by Peter Paul Rubens showing Saint Roch, along with sculptural works by Hieronymus Duquesnoy the Elder. These artworks show how local artists shaped the interior of this place of worship over many centuries.
The building undergoes ongoing restoration work to maintain its structural integrity while remaining accessible for services and visits. It is helpful to check current opening hours beforehand since restoration activities can occasionally affect access to certain areas.
A copper meridian line installed in 1839 runs through the south transept and marks a scientific addition to this religious structure. This astronomical measurement line is an unexpected example of how scientific instruments were integrated into religious spaces.
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