Sint-Julianuskerk, church in Belgium
Sint-Julianuskerk is a church in Ath that began in Gothic style during the 14th century and was rebuilt in neoclassical form after an 1817 fire. The original tower and lower choir section remain from the medieval period, while the interior displays paintings by Lambert Mathieu and Jean-Baptiste Ducorron.
Sint-Julianuskerk began construction in the late 14th century on land donated by Jean Séjournet, continuing to around 1414. Lightning destroyed the tower spire in 1606, and a major fire in 1817 forced a complete rebuild under architect Gabriel François Florent, who designed it in neoclassical style.
Sint-Julianuskerk serves as a gathering place for the community in Ath. Every fourth Sunday in August, locals celebrate with two large figures and a symbolic wedding ceremony, a tradition that has drawn people together for centuries.
The church sits in central Ath and is easily walkable, with nearby parking and shops. Visitors can enter during regular hours, with Sunday services at 11 a.m., and quiet behavior is appreciated inside.
A large bell cast in 1520 once called people to prayer but was lost in the 1817 fire. The carillon, a bell system from the late 15th century, survives and continues to ring during summer concerts after being restored in 1953.
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