Saint James Church, Gothic church in Tournai, Belgium
Saint James Church is a Gothic structure in Tournai with a central nave featuring stone columns topped by intricately carved capitals decorated with ribbed leaf patterns. The interior space is shaped by light and shadow playing between the soaring arches.
Construction started between 1163 and 1167 with a Romanesque chapel that was later enlarged with Gothic elements from the 13th and 14th centuries. The building survived iconoclastic destruction in 1566 while retaining significant artworks.
The painted vault ceiling shows angels playing instruments like lutes and harps, reflecting the religious life of medieval Tournai. These heavenly scenes shape the impression visitors get when entering the church.
The church welcomes visitors on regular days and continues to function as an active place of worship in the city. The best time to visit is during brighter daylight hours to see the vault paintings and stone details clearly.
A copper eagle lectern from 1411 sits in the choir area and is one of the few objects that survived the destruction of the 1500s. This piece is often overlooked even though it represents a rare example of medieval craftsmanship.
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