Saint Michael

Place des Combattants, 6280 Gerpinnes

About this building

Here is a church whose history starts in the 10th century and where traces of the successive styles of Romanesque, gothic, classical, and neo-gothic are visible. Noteworthy, is the strong Romanesque tower, a true castle keep.

The church is also well known for the tomb and shrine of Sainte-Rolende. It is said that she was the daughter of Didier, king of Lombardy hoe was exiled to the north of Gaul by Charlemagne. She wanted to dedicate herself to god and she died in Gerpinnes in 774. After her death, miraculous healings were acknowledged at her…

Pilgrimages followed. Traditionally on Easter Monday a 35 km walk takes place when the relics of Sainte- Rolende are carried through the ancient parish along an unchangeable route. It leaves at 3am and returns at 8pm. Well-known groups from l’Entre Sambre and Meuse follow the walk as well. It is a day of great popular fervour and devotion.

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Baptismal font from the 12th century

Built in the Romanesque style from cut stone known as ‘Tournai stone’, they are remarkable and…

Built in the Romanesque style from cut stone known as ‘Tournai stone’, they are remarkable and date back to the 12th century. They consist of a large cylindrical column shaft, flanked by four freestanding small columns with moulded bases, supporting the baptismal font, which is surmounted by naively carved heads. The four small columns had disappeared. In 1967, the baptismal font was restored and new small columns were installed. This baptismal font is situated in the centre of the church.

Organ

The organ dates from the 18th century.

Shrine of Saint Rolende

The reliquary of Saint Rolende is a remarkable piece of goldsmith’s work produced in the…

The reliquary of Saint Rolende is a remarkable piece of goldsmith’s work produced in the workshops of Henri Libert of Namur, who created numerous reliquaries, notably that of Saint Berthuin of Malonne. It dates from 1599. It is made of gilded copper with silver inlays. Each panel depicts an episode from the life of Saint Rolende. It was last restored between 1981 and 1983. It is on permanent display in the church.