Crypt

You are now at the historical center of our city. The church you see in front of you is Saint Hermès church. Saint Hermès is the patron saint of Renaix. He is invoked to heal mental illnesses. In the Middle Ages, Renaix represented an important religious center: pilgrims came from all sides to invoke his help and implore healing. Saint Hermès is represented as a Roman officer on horseback, pulling a chained demon. Madness was indeed considered the work of the devil.

In the 12th century, St-Hermès was the largest church in the region. Just like the cathedral of Tournai, it had 5 towers. However, in the 13th century, a drama occurred: the Romanesque church partially collapsed, probably due to unstable foundations. Between 1425 and 1520, the upper part of the church was completely reconstructed in the Gothic style.

This may seem strange, but at that time there were 3 churches at this location: St-Hermès church, St-Pierre church, and St-Martin church. St-Hermès church was the collegiate church of the chapter. The remarkable linden vaults evoke the gallery of the cloister leading to the chapter house.
You just passed in front of the ruins of St-Pierre church. The latter was completely demolished in 1834. The parish church of Saint-Martin is located a little further away.

The St-Hermès crypt 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 must absolutely come back later to visit it. Adorned with its 32 columns, the crypt resembles a completely underground cathedral.
The chapter, which became wealthy partly thanks to the pilgrims, had the crypt built to keep the relics of St-Hermès. It was consecrated on August 28, 1089, the anniversary of our Patron Saint's martyrdom.
Now, follow me to the entrance of the church.

Patrimundo