Sint-Michaëlskerk, Dominican church on Market Square in Sittard, Netherlands
Sint-Michaëlskerk is a church in Sittard built by Dominican friars that faces the main market square. The facade displays baroque features including curved volutes, a triangular pediment, and decorative relief work in stone, topped with a roof lantern.
Dominican friars built the structure between 1659 and 1661 as part of their monastery complex in the city. It survived the major city fire of 1677, making it one of the older surviving buildings in the area.
The interior displays Renaissance woodwork decorated with Dominican saints and plant motifs that shape the character of the nave. These ornaments reflect the artistic craftsmanship valued during the period when the church was built.
The building is easily reached from the central market square and continues to serve as an active parish church with regular services. Visitors should remember this is an active place of worship where respectful behavior is expected.
In 1938 a circus lion named Asor wandered into the church during high mass, creating unexpected commotion among worshippers. The lion tamer Carlo Stevens had to intervene to safely remove the animal and allow the service to continue.
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