Saint Peter

This window, dedicated to Francis of Assisi, enriches the church interior and invites us to look at creation with renewed attention. Laudato Si reminds us of our responsibility for the earth and emphasises care for people, nature and our common home. The new stained-glass window is a contemporary addition to the 15 existing stained-glass windows from the 19th and 20th centuries that adorn our church.

Restored to mark the 850th anniversary of St. Peter's Church, this polychrome wooden statue of the Madonna and Child (approx. 68 cm) probably dates from the late 14th or early 15th century. The graceful Madonna, the fine folds and the craftsmanship are striking. Originally, the statue was also decorated with so-called cabochons, smooth-cut colourful gemstones without facets, often round or oval in shape. It is the oldest piece of heritage in the church.

The communion rail, carved by Bruges master craftsman Michiel Clauwaert, was enlarged in 1865 to reach its present length of 20.26 metres. Its richly decorated panels and reliefs illustrate scenes from the Old and New Testaments, alongside figures such as Saint John, Saint Luke, Saint Mark, Saint Matthew, Saint Ursula, the Madonna and Child, the Mystic Lamb and the Ark of the Covenant. The most recent sections portray the Four Evangelists.

This oak Renaissance-style confessional was crafted by the Bruges master carpenter Rycquaert Brouckman. Four columns divide its three compartments beneath a richly decorated cornice. The columns and frieze feature carved foliage, cherubs, dolphins, fantastical birds and human faces, reflecting the influence of the confessionals in Saint Stephen’s Church in Ghent, though in a simpler form. The crowning element above the saint’s niche has not survived. In 2017, all confessionals were restored by Richardson-Weissenborn of Bruges.

Built in 1717 by Jacobus van Eynde to replace an older organ, this instrument is housed in a finely carved Baroque case decorated with angels, vases and trophies. Over the centuries it underwent several restorations and modifications before being reconstructed in its original style in 1992-93 by Verschueren Orgelbouw. Protected since 1980, it is one of the oldest still-played organs in Flanders and has hosted annual organ concerts every August since 1994.

This painting by Bruges artist Jan Maes depicts Christ handing the Keys of the Church to the kneeling Saint Peter. Originally displayed above the high altar, it was found during an 18th-century restoration to conceal an earlier composition, the Adoration of the Shepherds. Visible remnants, including a seated figure and shepherd-like apostles, suggest that Maes adapted an unfinished Nativity scene into the present work, creating a unique blend of two subjects.