Tournai Cathedral

Beginnings

The present cathedral is not the first one in this place. By far not – in fact, in this exact place was built one of the oldest churches in this part of Europe. There is a possibility that a pagan temple was located here. In the late 5th or early 6th century, in the times of Saint Eleutherius of Tournai here was erected the first one. Thus Tournai became an important early religious center and in the Diocese of Tournai were located such important cities as Bruges, Ghent, and Lille. This explains why such a grand cathedral is located in this small town.

Next church on this site was built in the 9th century and it suffered from fire twice – in 881 and 1066.

Building of the present church

By the early 12th century Tournai became even more influential and rich. At this time very popular was also the cult of Our Lady. Thus it was decided to build a new, giant cathedral in the city in honor of Our Lady.

Construction had three important phases, thus creating a unique structure with three different parts in different architectonic styles:

• During the first half of the 12th century there was built nave. It has been built in the Romanesque style with the characteristic, heavy, and severe character of this style. This is the oldest part of the church now.
• During the middle of the 12th century was built transept. This is an important milestone in the history of architecture, marking the end of the Romanesque style and bringing much inspiration for the upcoming Gothic style. This is the most prominent part of the building, with five great bell towers and expressive semi-circular ends. Four towers are 83 m tall. At the first sight these towers seem to be equal, but at a second look – lots of details are different. Eastern towers are called Saint-Jean tower and Marie Tower – the last with a bell named Marie-Pontoise. western towers have more Gothic details and are named – Brunin (with an entrance to the former prison) and Treille – wine was made in the basement of this tower. By 1171 the new church was built.
• In the 13th century the Romanesque choir was demolished and a new and much larger one – in Gothic style – was constructed in 1242 – 1255. In fact, it was planned to rebuild also the rest of the cathedral but this was not accomplished.

Now all these three different parts form a single, giant church. Although now it is harder to appreciate, for its time this structure has numerous innovations and represents one of the highlights of Romanesque architecture. It symbolizes the artistic freedom given to the designers and builders of this outstanding structure.

In medieval times the church was painted in bright colors – in many places the traces of these colors can still be seen.

Later history

This was one of the greatest churches in this region – although in this part of Europe are concentrated the greatest churches of the world.

Unfortunately, the interior of the church suffered – much damage was done during the mutiny of Calvinists in 1566 and also during the French Revolution.

During the 19th century though much was restored through the efforts of bishops Monseigneur François-Joseph Hirn and Monseigneur Gaspard-Joseph Labis, thus recreating one of the most beautiful church interiors in Belgium.

The 20th century was not kind again – part of the church was destroyed during World War II.

In 1999 the cathedral was hit by a tornado and its damage turned the attention of engineers to the dire state of the whole cathedral. Especially endangered was Brunin tower which had declined by 80 cm. Since then extensive repairs are ongoing, saving the cathedral from possible collapse.

Values of art

One of the most valued works of art is the sumptuous rood screen – it was made in Renaissance style by Flemish sculptor Cornelis Floris II in 1573.

Cathedral is adorned also by paintings of Rubens and Jordaens, very impressive is the stained glass of the enormous rose window.