Nos événements
Of giants, witches and boats
Life in Tienen during the sixteenth century - Thomas Staf
Presentation of a new book about the history of Tienen in the sixteenth century. A story of processions and bypasses, of the criminal justice in the region and of making the Great Gete between Tienen and Budingen navigable.
Welcome by Wim Bergé, alderman of Leisure.
Introduction by Katrien Partyka, Mayor.
After the performance we offer you a drink in “Den Aflaat”.
Event Host Building
Saint Germain
Tienen used to be called the white town because of its whitewashed facades but nowdays the name is mostly justified by a number of white towers. From afar one sees three: from west to east there is the new water tower, the churches of Our Lady and Saint Germain. The iconic cooling tower of the sugar refinery has meanwhile been demolished. Of these towers the oldest is that of the Romanesque Saint-Germain. Its base dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries.
The church is also situated in a very privileged location: on highest point of the Veemarkt, among other ways accessible through two steep flights of stairs, with a sober carillon corner at the Apostelenhof.
The church is also an example of the region's building stones, especially the Overlaar quartzite. The tower (65 metres) and its carillon (54 bells) can occasionally be visited. UNESCO has recognised the tower as a world heritage site. In the church, you will find the organist at work. This church has been honoured with the oldest church organ of the Low Countries.
Following disasters in 1536 and 1635, some parts were rebuilt in the gothic style. In due time, some parts of the church began to lean. The choir has been lifted seven degrees from the axis of the nave and the steeple subsided after an explosion in town.
In 2003, three murals by Yvan Struys were inaugurated.
KIKIRPA : Photo-library online
See the treasures of this church online on erfgoedplus.be
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