| Church of St Michael | |
|---|---|
| Sint-Michielskerk | |
 Church of St Michael, Hekelgem | |
| 50°54′27″N 4°06′32″E / 50.9076°N 4.1090°E / 50.9076; 4.1090 | |
| Location | Hekelgem (Affligem), Flemish Brabant |
| Country | Belgium |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| History | |
| Founder(s) | Affligem Abbey |
| Dedication | Archangel Michael |
| Consecrated | before 1105 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | parish church |
| Heritage designation | protected built heritage |
| Designated | 2021 |
| Style | Romanesque; Gothic; Neo-Gothic |
| Years built | 12th-13th century; 18th century; 20th century |
The Church of St Michael in Hekelgem, Belgium, is a historic parish church that is listed as protected built heritage. The church was perhaps initially attached to the local lordship, but from 1105 to 1796 was a dependency of Affligem Abbey. It became the church of a distinct parish in the 13th century. In the 21st century the parish became part of "Pastoral zone Meander".
Structure
The church tower has a 12th-century Romanesque base with an 18th-century top and spire. The nave was built in the 13th century in early Gothic style. The aisles and chancel were built in the early 20th century (1917–1919) in Neo-Gothic style. Renovations were carried out in the 1970s, when a new tower clock was installed. The medieval parts of the building were listed as a protected monument in 1947; the rest of the church was designated as built heritage in 2021.
Furnishings
The church contains a 15th-century baptismal font with an 18th-century copper cover, a 17th-century statue of St Michael, two 18th-century confessionals, and an elaborately carved 19th-century pulpit.
References
- ^ Flanders Heritage Agency. "Parochiekerk Sint-Michiels". Inventaris Onroerend Erfgoed.
- ^ "Kerk van Hekelgem". Toerisme Affligem.
- "Pastorale zone Meander". 2024.
Further reading
- L. Vanderschueren, Wandelgids voor Hekelgem, VTB Bibliotheek, 1972.
- Christiaene De Maegd and Suzanne Van Aerschot, Inventaris van het cultuurbezit in België, Architectuur, Vlaams-Brabant, Halle-Vilvoorde. Bouwen door de eeuwen heen in Vlaanderen, vol. 2n, Ghent, 1975.