Sint Rumoldus Church Steenokkerzeel

Between the 10th and 15th centuries there was a Romanesque place of worship here. Only the tombstone of Jan van Hamme (+1403) in the portal of the church reminds of this period. The current church dates from the 16th century but has undergone numerous changes over the years. Of the original late Gothic church, the tower and the parts in white sandstone, including half of the St. Bernard chapel, remain.

In 1860 the church was enlarged and can be ranked among the neo-Gothic buildings. Until 1882, the deceased parishioners were buried around it. In 1923, the spire underwent a thorough renovation. The pyramid-shaped roof had to make way for a needle spire with carillon chamber. It wouldn't last long, though. During the war 40-45, the spire was an obstacle for the German aircraft, which had Melsbroek as their home base.

At the beginning of 1941 the church was beheaded and it was not until 1986 that the spire was resurrected. A year later, the church building underwent a complete restoration and the carillon bells ring their melodies. https://www.steenokkerzeel.be/product/468/parochiekerk-st-rumoldus-steenokkerzeel

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