When we talk Tournai and its religious heritage , Cathedral of Our Lady arrives logically in mind.
However, the ancient Roman city of Turnacum has many more other buildings.
While most are left in a sad state (if not
outright vandalized with the approval
of municipal authorities...) , Saint-Jacques Church can boast of still look good.
Because the exterior restoration and stained-glass windows in the choir just finished. If the facelift is brought to completion,
the Saint-Jacques Church should find the face it presented to the 19th century, when the monument was saved from ruin.
At the time, restore a historical building meant to give it a face he could have in the past. Thus, sometimes, some monuments have no
more resemblance to what they were originally. At Saint-Jacques, the restorers of the 19th century have fortunately not exaggerated.
This beautiful church is typical of Scheldt Gothic. This style is purely transitional between Romanesque and early Gothic. From the novel,
we keep the general forms (notably the corner turrets, the lantern tower), but added local Gothic elements, with among others the outer
galleries or the grouping of three thin lancets under a common relief arch. The Scheldt Gothic also brings an impression of height
compared to contemporary Romanesque buildings.
I invite you today to discover a church that has no glorious past and the reputation of the cathedral, but anyway deserves some attention.
Pictures
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Replacing a Romanesque chapel attested in 1167, construction of the current building began in 1251.
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
The Gothic of Tournai (or Scheldt Gothic) will have its own characteristics and will be exported throughout the Scheldt.
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
The transept.
On the left, the new choir rebuilt between 1368 and 1391.
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
No vault in the original building but beautiful paneled ceilings.
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Only the choir will be vaulted in 1541.
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Side chapel built in 1402.
During the restoration of the 19th century, these angels dating from the construction have been
rediscovered after being hidden since the 18th century.
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
A bell melted by Michiels Jr. in the first half of the 20th century.
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Furniture of the 19th century.
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Copper lectern from 1411.
Needless to say it's an exceptional piece.
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
I warm myself as I can...
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
As Tournai was a religious center in the Middle Ages, it's normal to find a church dedicated to James the Great (here his statue).
This church was the rallying point for all the pilgrims from northern Europe.
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
The stained glasses of the 19th century.
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Modern stained glass arisen during the last restoration.
We can see the logos of contractors and sponsors.
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
The organ of 1755.
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
During modernization in the 18th century, all Gothic elements were either deleted or hidden.
Thus, these hooks of columns had to be resculpted the 19th century.
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
As for the walls, they were covered with a white coating. The ground, meanwhile, was raised by one meter.
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Heating system fits the rest of the building...
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
The nave and transept of the 13th century.
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
The stained glasses of the choir represent the seven sacraments.
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Also in the 18th century, a Baroque portal had replaced the original entry.
The restorers of the 19th century have to have imagination to recreate an entry agreeing with the rest of the church.
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
The tower, oldest part of the church (1153).
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
The top floor and the arrow have been faithfully reconstructed in the 19th century.
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Only one of his roses reached us intact the fourteenth century. It will serve as a model for the reconstruction of others.
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Given the current sad era, this statue must be protected by a glass. For the same reason, the interior is under CCTV.
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
Saint-Jacques Church of Tournai
End of the visit.
Related page
- Walk in the city of Tournai.
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