Collegiate Church of Saint Hadelin, Houyet, Belgium

The perfectly preserved Romanesque church of Celles is thought to be prior to the 12th century. The crypt, located under the choir, probably dates back to the 9th century. The crypt is built in the shape of a Latin cross with three naves and 2 rows of pillars.

In the church tower, you can admire a very ancient roman inscription, which is thought to date from the reign of the emperor Probus (279).

This remarkable monument is definitely worth a visit, even if it were just for the sake of admiring the stalls, the font and the holy water font both from the 12th century. It equally boasts rather interesting tombstones, namely one in black marble, which houses the remains of Rasse de Celles and his wife.

The church of Celles is open to the public all year round. It is remarkably well preserved, and considered as one of the finest examples of Mosan Romanesque architecture. Built with limestone and sandstone rubble, it is thought to be prior to the 12th century, while the crypt, located under the choir, is thought to date from the 9th century. The church has the shape of a Latin cross, with three naves and two rows of pillars.

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Religious sites in Belgium

User Reviews

MLVC CN (3 years ago)
Well preserved Romanesque church. Celles is a small village so this church is a must see. Interior looked so solemn when we were there. The crypt is not to be missed.

Eric Erger (3 years ago)
Jolie église mosane dans le beau village de Celles

Olga V. Mack (3 years ago)
This’s a hidden gem! Very special, charming place. Serenity and tranquillity describe this best. Both inside and out interesting to explore.

Kip van Troje (6 years ago)
This is a sober church that is part of the open churches route. The church is wheelchair accessible. The crypt was not illuminated, so we did not visit it. In winter the temperature is colder than outside, except during the celebrations. There are a number of sculptures, including one of the saint with the bird.

philippe Toudic (6 years ago)
This 11th century collegiate church is one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in the country. Disciple of Saint Remacle, Hadelin evangelized the region and founded a monastery (7th century). Several miracles are attributed to him, transforming the village into an important center of pilgrimage. Inside, the Middle Ages are present. The crypt shelters Merovingian sarcophagi and ancient reliquaries. The wooden ceiling and the baptismal font are Romanesque.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

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The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

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Collegiate Church of Saint Hadelin

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