Saint Martin

Kerkstraat 11 B, 3960 Beek (Bree)

About this building

The parish of the village of Beek is very ancient. Presumably the parish came into existence when it split off from the parish of the village of Kessenich around the year 1000. The tower and some wall sections still date from this time period and are seen as very rare remains from the Ottonian style that came into the picture even before the Romanesque style came into being.

The tower, built in heavy fieldstones, was originally a closed fortified tower and was later given an entrance in natural stone, above which Saint Martin of Tours is depicted in relief. The striking herringbone pattern and two embedded heads in the south wall most certainly deserve one’s attention. The nave of the old church was demolished during the 15th century and was replaced by three gothic transepts in marlstone.

In the church, one can based on several decorative elements and works of art travel through time. The calvary, for example, that is dedicated to be by the hand of the Master of Elsloo, dates from the 15th century. Some late Gothic statues represent Saint Lucy and Saint Catherine of Alexandria. The late Romanesque Seat of Wisdom probably is the oldest showpiece of the church (around 1300), also interesting to see are the Virgin and Child with Saint Anne, and the group of Saint Martin statues, several wooden statues, and two confessionals in Rococo style, up to and including the modern Way of the Cross in ceramic.

The altars are in neo-Gothic style and date from the second half of the 19th century. The restored organ with pipes from 1593, was built in 1739 by Laurent Gilam and originally came from Saint Michael’s church of the city of Bree.

The church building is located at junction 7 of the cycle route network of the Belgian province Limburg.

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Wikipedia Sint-Martinuskerk Beek

Romanesque tower

St Martin’s Church, built in 1450, features a Romanesque tower from 1007 made of bluestone and…

St Martin’s Church, built in 1450, features a Romanesque tower from 1007 made of bluestone and carved natural stone. The tower and parts of the walls are rare Otto style remains, predating the Romanesque period. Once a fortified tower, it later received an entrance topped with a relief of St Martin. Near the ground floor are three primitive mask heads, likely Roman, two still recognisable.

Organ

The organ originates from St Michael’s Church in Bree. Built in 1739 by Laurent Gilman using…

The organ originates from St Michael’s Church in Bree. Built in 1739 by Laurent Gilman using 1593 Niehoff pipework, it was sold to the church in Beek after a new organ was installed in 1782. During a 1933 rebuild, the instrument was moved, causing major damage and loss of many pipes. Restoration began in 1988, replacing missing parts historically, and the organ was fully completed again in 2007.

Statue of the Sedes Sapientiae

The church’s oldest statue is the 13th century Sedes Sapientiae, a late Romanesque polychrome…

The church’s oldest statue is the 13th century Sedes Sapientiae, a late Romanesque polychrome work, 74 cm high. Mary sits on a red covered throne, holding the Child Jesus and a rose in her right hand. Her crown is set with stones, her gold floral garment and blue and gold cloak stand out. The Child wears a red cloak, raises two fingers, and holds a dove on his lap.

Statue of St. Anne of the Trinity

This 15th century polychromed Sint Anna ten Drieën presents the horizontal type of the theme.…

This 15th century polychromed Sint Anna ten Drieën presents the horizontal type of the theme. Saint Anna, highly revered in the fifteenth century as Jesus’ grandmother and a powerful intercessor, sits beside Mary as an equal figure. Anna holds a closed book, while Mary supports the Christ Child, who delicately grasps a symbolic bunch of grapes.

Calvary

A Calvary from the 15th century, attributed to the Master of Elsloo. The representation of the…

A Calvary from the 15th century, attributed to the Master of Elsloo. The representation of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Mount Calvary, flanked by Mary and the apostle John. This calvary is of a very special manufacture. Jesus is represented almost life-size (ca. 150 cm). Special details: heavy crown of thorns, half closed eyes, mouth painfully opened, hair is stripes down, pain in the angular face. All over the body is an atmosphere of sorrow.

Sculpture group Saint Martinus

Sculpture group of St. Martin, patron of this church, who shares his cloak with a beggar. The…

Sculpture group of St. Martin, patron of this church, who shares his cloak with a beggar. The statue is from ca. 1600, in polychromed wood and has a height of 60 cm. Pay particular attention to the carving of this work, including the face of St. Martin and the beggar. St. Martin is seated on a white horse, with a light blue shirt, green skirt, red coat, all lined with gold. The beggar wears a brown shirt and long grey stockings.