Saint-Ursmer Collegiate Church, Protected church in Lobbes, Belgium
Saint-Ursmer Collegiate Church is a church building in Lobbes with a Latin cross layout and vaulted spaces inside. Beneath the choir sits a crypt that contains ancient sarcophagi and tombstones, creating a layered underground burial space.
The church was founded in the fourth century by monks from Lobbes Abbey and ranks among Belgium's oldest churches. Over time it underwent various architectural changes while maintaining its role as a place of worship.
Inside the church, you can see wooden statues of saints from the 1600s alongside Renaissance tombstones that reflect the artistic tastes of different generations. These artworks show how the place served as a burial ground and spiritual center for the community across different periods.
The church sits on Rue de l'Eglise in Lobbes and welcomes visitors, though guided tours should be arranged in advance through the local tourism office. Planning ahead helps ensure you can fully explore the crypt and see the artworks inside.
The crypt contains eighth-century sarcophagi believed to hold Saint Ursmer and his companion, attracting visitors for centuries who sought healing. This underground chamber became a place where people turned to for spiritual help with physical ailments.
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