Crypt

Here you are in the historic centre of our city. The church you see in front of you is the Church of St. Hermes. Saint Hermes is the patron saint of Ronse. It is invoked to cure mental illness. In the Middle Ages, Ronse was an important religious centre: pilgrims came from all over to invoke its help and implore healing. Saint Hermes is depicted as a Roman officer on horseback, pulling a demon in chains. Insanity was indeed considered the work of the devil.

In the 12th century, St-Hermes was the largest church in the region. Just like the cathedral of Tournai, it had 5 bell towers. In the 13th century, however, tragedy struck: the Romanesque church partially collapsed, probably due to unstable foundations. Between 1425 and 1520, the upper part of the church was completely rebuilt in the Gothic style.

It may seem strange, but at the time there were 3 churches in this place: the church of St-Hermes, the church of St-Pierre and the church of St-Martin. The church of St-Hermes was the collegiate church of the chapter. The remarkable charming vaults are reminiscent of the cloister gallery giving access to the chapter house
You have just passed the ruins of St. Peter's Church. The latter was completely demolished in 1834. The parish church of St. Martin is a little further away.

The crypt of St. Hermes located under the church of the same name is one of the most beautiful crypts in Western Europe. If you don't have time to dedicate to it today, you should definitely come back later to visit it. Adorned with its 32 columns, the crypt looks exactly like an underground cathedral.
The chapter, which had become wealthy thanks to pilgrims, had the crypt built in order to preserve the relics of St. Hermes. It was consecrated on August 28, 1089, the anniversary of the martyrdom of our Patron Saint.
Now follow me to the entrance of the church.

Patrimundo