Saints Peter and Paul
Place de l'Abbaye
7784 Warneton (Comines-Warneton)
Church | 1924 | Art deco | Catholic Church
Map
Opening hours
01 January - 31 December
Mon 9.00 - 12.00 • 14.00 - 17.00
Tue 9.00 - 12.00 • 14.00 - 17.00
Wed 9.00 - 12.00 • 14.00 - 17.00
Thu 9.00 - 12.00 • 14.00 - 17.00
Fri 9.00 - 12.00 • 14.00 - 17.00
Sat 9.00 - 12.00 • 14.00 - 17.00
Sun 9.00 - 12.00 • 14.00 - 17.00
Guided tour
+32 56 55 56 00
Religious offices
Description
Burnt several times, damaged and totally destroyed during the First World War, the present church was inspired by Romanesque and Byzantine styles. As the building is imposing, it is referred to widely as the “cathedral of the Lys” even though it is not the seat of a bishop.
The Art nouveau furnishings are in flamed ceramic, notably the high altar, the communion table, the pulpit and the confessionals. Noteworthy also are the fine oak stalls (1714) which came from the ancient abbey here.
The crypt contains the tomb (14th century) of Robert de Cassel, son of the Count of Flanders.
KIKIRPA : Photo-library online
Watch live: a pair of peregrine falcons nest in the church tower
Photos
Media
Remarkable elements
Stalls
These were probably made in 1714, reusing material from the 17th century. This Baroque furniture belonged to the Abbey of Saints Peter and Paul and prior to 1914 was in the abbey church. The 19 stalls are the remainder of the 24 which were in the church’s choir before the tempest of 1914 as were the statues of Saints Peter and Paul.
Crypt
The 14th century tombs, which were restored a few years ago, are listed. One of them was that of the abbot of Warneton abbey. The more imposing one is that of Robert de Cassel (1278-1331), son of Robert of Béthune, count of Flanders. The latter was the brother of Louis de Nevers and of Mahaut de Béthune and was the Lord of Warneton and is buried in its church.
Furnishings
The furniture is in flamed ceramic of different colours: the high altar in purplish red sandstone with metallic tints symbolises the passion and the kingdom of Christ; the pulpit in purplish red sandstone with flamed green and copper tints, the green symbolising hope and God’s word… as are the other altars communion table and confessionals whose shimmering tones are unveiled especially at sunset.
Lectern and baptistery
The lectern and fonts are in marble from Rance and are of the same period as the stalls.
Stained glass windows
The stained glass windows are the catechism of the people. From those of this church we learn of the Christ, the Virgin Mary, the mysteries of our religion, the apostles Peter and Paul and Saint Jean de Warneton. They are the creation of M. A. Van Doorne of Gent around 1927.
