St Dymphna Church, Gothic church in Geel, Belgium
St Dymphna Church is a Gothic place of worship in Geel featuring a distinctive tower built from white sandstone and brown ferruginous stone. The interior contains several Flemish artworks, including a carved wooden altarpiece with hundreds of oak figures and traces of original color.
Construction started in 1349 as a pilgrimage site after the remains of Saint Dymphna and her confessor Gerebernus were laid to rest here. Both figures died in the 7th century and were later venerated as saints, making this location an important destination for pilgrims.
The church remains a pilgrimage destination where visitors come to honor Saint Dymphna, a patron saint known through local devotion. The entire town has grown around this religious tradition, making the church central to local identity.
The church is accessible only during specific days and hours, particularly outside the summer season, so visitors should check current opening times in advance. Plan time to view the artworks inside without rushing and wear appropriate clothing for entering a place of worship.
A Renaissance mausoleum displays two paintings by Jan Mostaert from 1525 featuring connected landscapes spread across separate portrait frames of the Merode family. This artistic approach was unconventional for its time and demonstrates innovative techniques used by Flemish painters during the Renaissance.
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