Sint-Hermeskerk, Ronse, Gothic basilica in Ronse, Belgium
Sint-Hermeskerk is a Gothic basilica in Ronse topped by a 79-meter tower with a carillon of 49 bells. Beneath the main structure lies a Romanesque crypt from 1089, featuring stone columns and vaulted spaces from medieval times.
The church has housed relics of Saint Hermes since 860 and received its Minor Basilica status in 2019, recognizing centuries of religious importance. This recent honor reflects the church's long-standing role in the spiritual life of the region.
The church remains a pilgrimage destination where people come to seek Saint Hermes's intercession for personal healing and spiritual needs. You notice candles, flowers, and offerings left by visitors throughout the interior, reflecting living devotion.
The church and its crypt are open to visitors daily, allowing you to explore both the main hall and the underground chamber. Wear comfortable shoes since accessing the crypt requires climbing stairs.
The crypt contains a wooden beam fitted with iron hooks where medieval patients seeking Saint Hermes's healing power were tied overnight. This haunting relic reveals how saints were seen as a last resort for treating mental illness in past centuries.
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