Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, Gothic church in Pamele district, Oudenaarde, Belgium.
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk is a Gothic church in the Pamele district of Oudenaarde, situated along the Schelde river bank. The building features Romanesque windows, Gothic column galleries, and small corner towers integrated into its riverside structure.
Construction began in 1234 under master builder Arnulf van Binche, commissioned by Arnulf IV, lord of Oudenaarde and Pamele. This project reflected the ambitions of local nobility to establish a prominent religious building in the region.
The building displays Scheldegotik style, blending Romanesque and Gothic elements that are visible in its limestone details and structural choices. This architectural blend shaped how the community experienced religious spaces during the medieval period.
The building undergoes regular structural inspections because of its location on marshy soil near the Schelde river. These checks help ensure the structure remains stable despite the challenging ground conditions.
A bronze plaque on the church facade displays the master builder's name and construction date, which is rare for buildings from the 13th century. This inscription preserves the memory of the craftsman behind the work.
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