Our Lady of the Ascension Church Damme

The Church of Our Lady was built in 1225 . Later it was further expanded and a spire was built on top of the sturdy tower. Damme's golden times were reflected in the scale of the church, which gradually began to take on the allure of a cathedral . Yet the decay had already started before the last extension works were completed.

In 1578 Damme was conquered and sacked by the Geuzen. The church was later restored, but did not recover from the blow. Part of the monumental almshouse was demolished , as was the spire. Now the remaining dividing walls between the main and side aisles give an idea of the size of the original church.

Inside the church , the interior looks impressive . Above the pillars of the nave are wooden apostle statues from the 13th century. They survived the religious violence of the 16th century. They are one of the oldest examples of wood sculpture on medieval roofs in Flanders.

Also note the miracle cross above the altar of the cross. According to legend , Damse fishermen fished the cross out of the sea. It is worn annually during the Holy Blood Procession in Bruges.

From April to September you can climb the 206 steps to enjoy a beautiful panorama . You have a phenomenal view of the 17th century city walls, the Damse Vaart and the vast

The Legend of the Miracle Cross of Damme

In the 12th century Damse fishermen took a cross from the sea. Miraculous powers were attributed to the cross and it has been worshiped for many centuries. Six miracles (of which there are paintings in the church) are attributed to the cross: a resurrection of a shipmate, a lame man could walk again, a dead child was revived, a sick child was healed, a blind man could see again, and a young man who couldn't get out of bed for over a year regained health.

However, the miracle cross was destroyed during the iconoclasm. Only a fragment of it was preserved and later incorporated as a relic in a new Holy Cross .

Willem Vandenameele