Eglise Saint-Quentin - Tournai

The Sint-Quintinuskerk is one of the oldest churches in Tournai , originally built in the 12th century and has since undergone several renovations and extensions.

Sint-Quintinuskerk combines elements of different architectural styles, including Romanesque and Gothic influences . The church has an impressive facade with sculptures and decorative details and an imposing tower that rises above the city. The tower has a square base and gradually turns into an octagonal shape. It is a prominent landmark in Tournai's skyline. Visitors can climb the tower to enjoy a beautiful view of Tournai and the surrounding area from the top.

The church is home to a beautiful collection of stained glass windows, some of which date back to the Middle Ages and represent the artistic and artisanal techniques of the period, while others may be from later centuries . Many of the stained glass windows tell Biblical stories and events. These windows serve not only as decorative elements, but also as educational tools to show the believers the stories and teachings of Christianity. The colors are deliberately chosen to convey symbolic meanings and to create a spiritual atmosphere. For example, blue can refer to heaven, red to the blood of Christ, and so on.

Built by the renowned French organ builder Louis-Paul Ducroquet in 1838, the "Grand Orgue Ducroquet" organ has an impressive appearance and a range of registers and pipes that allow for different timbres. It is designed to accommodate a wide variety of musical styles and moods.

The statue "Notre dame de la Treille" is also kept in the church and is carried through the streets on the second Sunday of September during the great procession of Tournai.

The church also houses the golden reliquaries of Saint Quentinus, the patron saint of the city and Saint Donatus.

Willem Vandenameele