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Situated on a ridge, the highest church in East Flanders offers a wonderful view of the rolling landscape of the Bosberg on the one hand and the vastness of the Dender Valley on the other. The church together with the cemetery, the neighbouring chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows and the cave is therefore a favourite place for hikers, tourists as well as pilgrims and believers.

However, the first church in Onkerzele, which is already mentioned in the 12th century, was located in another place, on the corner of Kampstraat and Onkerzelestraat, where later a cave and a chapel were built. In 1776 the church was in such a bad condition that it was decided to build a new church on the ridge. However, the French Revolution caused a delay and the first spade stitch was only given in 1846. The church was completed in 1847.

The new church was built in neo-Gothic style, reusing a lot of material from the old church. The church was finally consecrated on 4 July 1853. In 2006, however, stability problems and construction faults came to light, releasing stucco from the ceiling. A thorough restoration of the outside area was required, which was carried out in 2013 and completed in 2016.

Now you can enjoy this church again to the fullest, which still contains many interior elements of the old church, such as two baroque side altars from 1694. But the real highlights are a late Gothic triumphal cross from the 16th century and 3 St. Martin's statues, the oldest dating from the 17th century.

The restoration of the interior is underway and a part of the church will also be given a side destination as ”bike church“; this will become the 2nd bicycle church of our country. The choice for a bicycle church was obvious, namely the location between the ”Wall of Geraardsbergen“ and the ”Bosberg”, known from the Tour of Flanders. In the near future you will be able to enjoy a recreational 'cycling experience' in and round the church!

KIKIRPA : Photo-library online

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