Saint Peter

The main altar by W. Pompe features two statue groups: below, St. Peter among sheep in a pasture; above, within a shell motif, St. Barbara stands between angels under a starry sky before the Creator. Above both groups appears the eye of God within a triangle. Near the vault above the altar is the image of the Holy Spirit—a dove surrounded by rays—revealed during the latest restoration.

The choir in which the stalls are located and where the canons recited the services, was separated from the church vessel by a rood chamber. This one was removed in 1780. The stalls date from 1713.

The Gothic ambulatory with 5 radiant chapels features several statues and works of art. In the third chapel behind the altar, enclosed by a wrought iron gate of Pompe, is the 16th century triptych: the martyrdom of Saint Apollonia (middle and left panels) and other saints (right panel). In front of the painting is a polychrome Ecce Homo from the late 15th-early 16th century: Christ on the cold stone.

The central nave features a wooden pulpit by Turnhout sculptor Peeters Divoort (1862), inspired by the truth chair of Saint Andrew’s in Antwerp. It depicts Jesus calling Peter and Andrew to become fishers of men. A boat filled with fish and nets rests at the base of a rock symbolizing Peter. Above, a canopy is crowned by the Holy Spirit inspiring the preacher, with angels sounding the Good News.

Behind, on the rood pole, are the wonderful organ of the famous Ghent organ builder Jean Le Royer. The sculptures in the buffet are by Antwerp sculptor Michel Catelon.

During the summer months, organ concerts are regularly organised on the initiative of the non-profit organisation Octave, attracting Belgian and foreign listeners.

See also: the confessionals of J.P. van Baurscheit; the paintings of St. Clare and St. Francis by David Teniers; the enclosure of the Chapel of the Dead at the Field of Honour (18th century); the altar of Our Lady and that of the Blessed Sacrament in 1771; the wonderful stained glass windows.