Sint-Willibrorduschurch
Oudstrijdersplein B-8430 Middelkerke,
The saint-Willibrordchurch is the parish church of Middelkerke
The tower is a relic of the church of the 17th century. Apart from this tower, the church was demolished in the middle of the 19th century and was replaced by a neo-Gothic church. After its destruction in the first world war, the church was rebuilt in he 1920s, and expanded in the southern direction, adding a second south-east tower.
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The interior in neo-Romanesque-Byzantine style is simply beautiful.
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Mariakerke: our Lady of the Dunes-church
Westlaan Mariakerke (between Middelkerke en Oostende)
The church dating from 1071 is located in a protected dune and polderlandscape. It has been through a lot in its long history, was several times destroyed and rebuilt again.
Its classicistic principal altar dates from 1771-1772 and has the shape of a tomb. The large painting above the altar was created probably in the Antwerp School, possibly by from Gaspar de Craeyer (1584-1669), court artist to the Archduke. It is the jewel of the church, made with a masterly talent and is of great value.
It is a scene with castaways surrounded by Spanish ships. Over the clouds, a fulminating Christ in a red robe is watching furiously. While praying, our Lady points at the drama of the three ships and eight castaways in the unleashed sea.
The interior of the side chapel which has been preserved in white and dark marble in renaissance style
In the Aisle you’ll find the altar of our Lady in black granite. On the altar framed in silver gilt, you’ll find the statue of Our-Lady-of-the-Dunes . This statue in polychromed wood dates from the 17th Century. It is surrounded by ex-votos, model ships and ship photos, witnesses of the devotion for Our Lady, Star of the Sea (Stella Maris). On the left of the altar stands a silver processional cross from 1756.
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In the small graveyard, three mayors of Ostend and painter baron James Ensor are buried.
On the right: Bust of James Ensor
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Two of his famous paintings.
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Stene
Stene was first mentioned in 1142 as a 'Stenes' which meant 'castle' in those days, probably because of the stronghold that had been erected here. Other sources state that the name referred to a stone wharf that was located in the town.
Sint-Anna church
This charming little church is composed of several styles. It was built in 1253 under the reign of Robrecht the Fries. In 1334 a side aisle was added. The church floor was also heigtened to counter flooding. The tower, that leans slightly towards the south, is from 1675 and the porch was built in 1846. Although the church, with beautiful 17th and 18th century furniture and decorativework, is dedicated to Saint Anna the holy Appolonia has been 'serving' here since the 18th century by alleviating tooth-aches...
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| foto's: Roy Vergé Oostende | |||||||
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St Pieters and Pauluschurch Oostende
Neogothic decanal church built in 1901-1905 by order of King Leopold II on the St Peter’s and Paul’s Square. The church is finely decorated with arches and chapels, the rainwater is conveyed from the dome through gargoyles. Exactly like the old Gothic Cathedrals, the Gothic Revival also uses external frames, making possible large windows, adorned with many beautiful stained glass windows.
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