Sint-Michielskerk

A little bit a history: The Archangel Michael is the patron saint of this church, and yet the veneration of Saint Livinius is closely connected with this place. The Irish evangelist Livinus who preached in the region, was beheaded and died as a martyr. He was buried in Houtem. The raising of the ground of the current church by around 1 m indicated that the sepulchre of the saint was located in the crypt under the church. Today visitors come to admire the new ceremonial tomb of Saint Livinius, adorned with a recumbent figure and scenes of his life.
The first church, in the Romanesque style, was erected in the 11th and 12th centuries. Unfortunately, it was demolished in part in the 15th century. Then it suffered damage during the religious wars and under the French domination. Nonetheless certain parts were saved: the choir, flanked by two staircase turrets and a martyrium*, dating from the 10th century, bracketed to the south staircase turret.
Between 1769 and 1779, the current church was built in the Classical style. This is a church with three naves of brick, whose west façade is made of sandstone.
In the interior, old frescoes, representing the life of Saint Livinius, have been preserved. The major part of the furnishings date from the 18th century.
The pearl of the cabinet making is the organ case dating from 1786. Restored in 1982, the organ is a masterpiece by Pieter Van Peteghem.

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