Church of Saint Anne, Aldeneik

The Church of Saint Anne (Dutch: Sint-Annakerk) is a partly Romanesque, partly Gothic church in Aldeneik, Belgium.

History

Originally, the church was part of Aldeneik Abbey, a Benedictine nunnery, founded by the holy sisters Harlindis and Relindis on their father Adelard's estate in Eike (Aldeneik). In the 10th century, emperor Otto I donated the monastery to the Prince-Bishopric of Liège in order to prevent local nobleman from seizing control of the property. Shortly afterwards the nunnery was replaced by a collegiate chapter of (male) canons, who in the 12th century built the Romanesque church which partly survives in the present building. Since the 16th century it has served as a Roman Catholic parish church. Originally dedicated to Saint Mary, later to Mary and Saint Peter, in the 18th century it was dedicated to Saint Anne.

Description church

Exterior

The present church was partly built in the 12th century and consists of a 3-aisle basilica in Mosan style, without transepts. In the 13th or 14th century the choir was replaced in Gothic style. After the chapter moved to Maaseik in 1571, the church became too big for the small congregation that continued to use it. The aisles were probably demolished shortly afterwards. Part of the westwork was also demolished or destroyed. In the 19th century the westwork was rebuilt, although it was not clear what the original westwork had looked like. The side aisles were rebuilt in the same period.

Westwork and tower
Dwarf gallery
View from the North
Choir and rose window

Interior

The nave is the best preserved part of the original interior of the church, although the wooden ceiling was renewed in the 19th century. The primitive red and ochre murals in the nave date from the 13th century and are among the oldest in Belgium. The choir is lit by two rose windows and five lancet windows.

View towards the choir
North aisle
Interior westwork
Romanesque font

References

s.r.o, Tripomatic. "Church of Saint Anne, Aldeneik in Maaseik". travel.sygic.com. Retrieved 2022-09-29.

v t e Catholic Church in Belgium
Episcopal Conference of Belgium
Dioceses	Archdiocese of Mechelen–Brussels Diocese of Antwerp Diocese of Bruges Diocese of Ghent Diocese of Hasselt Diocese of Liège Diocese of Namur Diocese of Tournai
Others	Military Ordinariate of Belgium Titular sees: Tongeren Ypres Former sees: Ancient Diocese of Thérouanne Diocese of Eupen-Malmedy Ordinariate for foreign students in Belgium
Churches	List of Catholic churches in Belgium Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp St. Salvator's Cathedral, Bruges Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, Brussels St Bavo's Cathedral, Ghent St. Quentin Cathedral, Hasselt Liège Cathedral St. Rumbold's Cathedral, Mechelen St Aubin's Cathedral, Namur Tournai Cathedral
Education	List of Catholic schools in Belgium Katholieke Universiteit Leuven Université catholique de Louvain Université de Namur
Monasteries	Affligem Abbey Averbode Abbey Bethlehem Abbey, Bonheiden Bois-Seigneur-Isaac Abbey Bornem Abbey Brecht Abbey Chevetogne Abbey Chimay Abbey Dendermonde Abbey Drongen Abbey Ermeton Abbey Grimbergen Abbey Keizersberg Abbey Klaarland Priory Maredret Abbey Maredsous Abbey Monasterium Magnificat Orval Abbey Park Abbey Postel Abbey Rochefort Abbey Roosenberg Abbey St. Andrew's Abbey, Bruges St. Sixtus' Abbey St. Trudo's Abbey, Bruges Scourmont Abbey Soleilmont Abbey Ten Putte Abbey Tongerlo Abbey Val-Dieu Abbey Westmalle Abbey
See also	List of saints of Belgium List of Catholic seminaries in Belgium Apostolic Nunciature to Belgium Kerknet Chiro Flanders CICM Missionaries La Pairelle Our Lady of Beauraing Our Lady of Banneux
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51°6′7.3″N 5°48′20″E / 51.102028°N 5.80556°E / 51.102028; 5.80556

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