St. Brixius Church - Tournai

The Saint-Brixius Church is dedicated to the saint of the same name, Bishop of Tours , one of the patron saints of Merovingian Gaul.

The choir (13th century and extended in the 14th century) consists of three naves of equal height. It is one of the first examples of this type of construction called "hallekerke" , the first example of an architectural formula that will be very successful in maritime Flanders. The current tower once served as a belfry for the right bank of the Scheldt.

Archaeologists have revealed a 12th-century Romanesque crypt beneath the central choir.

When a parsonage was built next to the church, a fantastic find was made in 1653: the intact tomb of the Merovingian king Childeric I was discovered.

After the bombing and fire of May 1940, the outer walls of the nave, the two upper levels of the cross tower and the southern arm of the transept were reconstructed from 1942 to 1954 under the direction of architect Simon Brigode, giving the building its current appearance .

The interior space gives a wonderful impression of space, contemplation and brightness, favored by quality lighting. Note the choir, which has the shape of a triple hall, the wooden ceiling and some pieces of furniture such as large candlesticks , the old statues of saints or those in more recent stonework by the Tournai artist Nelly Mercier. Also note the altar by the sculptor George Grard, the tabernacle and at the back of the church the surprising baptismal font whose sides represent a beautiful and sensual Eve, Adam and the hand of God... A painting by Gaspard De Crayer (1564 -1669) The depiction of Archduchess Isabelle donating her jewels to Notre-Dame de Hal also attracts attention.

Willem Vandenameele