l'Hermitage de Celles

The chapel dating from the 14th century and known as l'Hermitage was built on the site of the cemetery of Saint-Hadelin and near the cave where he retreated.

Since the departure of the monks in 1337, the hill overlooking the church has been inhabited by hermits , responsible for respecting the places where Saint-Hadelin lived. A small accommodation is added for them.

Until 1789 (French Revolution), the hermits associated with the service of the Church of Celles lived in the Hermitage. During the revolution the buildings were severely damaged and became virtually abandoned

25 years later, in 1818, the restoration of the site was planned with a view to the establishment of the municipal primary school.

In 1850, the provincial inspector of primary education asked to move the local school to another location for various reasons. On October 19, 1856, the municipality exchanged a new house in Celles, built in 1848 (now restaurant "le val joli" ) for the buildings of the hermitage with the Count of Liedekerke-Beaufort (then mayor). This house became the boys' school, while in 1858 the first sisters of Saint-Vincent de Paul arrived in the hermitage and opened their classes in 1859. They remained there until 1973, when they were recalled by the Superior General of Belgium due to a shortage of nuns in larger institutions.

On the eve of the merger of the municipalities in 1976, the last municipal council of Celles bought the hermitage from the Count of Liedekerke-Beaufort and opened a kindergarten there. In 1986 a restoration took place and a new mixed primary school was built at the back.

The chapel and cellars have been converted into a tourist reception center.

In the center of the courtyard is a stone statue depicting Saint Hadelin with a large beard, his dove on his left shoulder and his staff in his right hand.

Willem Vandenameele