Saint Stephen’s Church in ‘s Herenelderen

Reliquary

Stone church with tall, pointed steeple under a cloudy sky. Shadows of trees cast on the light-colored facade, creating a serene, contemplative atmosphere.
Jan Bellen

Sint-Stefanusstraat, Tongeren-Borgloon

Practical information
Tourist information
At one time relics were kept in the reliquary of Sint-Stefanuskerk in ’s Herenelderen. The casket can still be viewed in the church chancel. Perhaps it still retains a remnant of that divine power.

Saint Stephen’s Church

The parish was founded in 1291 by the Lords of Elderen and the Sint-Stefanuskerk with its Meuse Gothic architecture was built in the 15th century. In 1899 the architect Fernand Lohest enlarged the church and updated the interior in neo-Gothic style. The church takes its name from Saint Stephen, a martyr who was stoned to death. A relic of the Saint can still be found in the sacristy, where the reliquary was also discovered. In 1935 Sint-Stefanuskerk in 's Herenelderen was declared a protected monument, further confirming its heritage value.

Reliekschrijn
Jan Bellen

Reliquary

This 15th century reliquary probably originates from Germany rather than the Haspengouw region. It should not be surprising to find such a unique shrine in this location, just looking at the opulent interior of this village church. Its presence obviously relates to the de Renesse family of nobility, which made special donations over the centuries and provided lavish furnishings and interiors for the building. It is also thought that the shrine was purchased by the family. The most striking feature of the shrine is the painting. It depicts the kneeling patron, Saint Jerome, Saint Agnes, Saint Catherine and John The Baptist.

Watch the video of the reliquary here

Click here to listen to the story

View the reliquary here in 3D

Sint-Stefanuskerk van ‘s Herenelderen
Reliekschrijn (detail)
Jan Bellen - Jeroen Reyniers - Bureau voor Kunsthistorisch Onderzoek
Stone church with tall, pointed steeple under a cloudy sky. Shadows of trees cast on the light-colored facade, creating a serene, contemplative atmosphere.
Jan Bellen

Practical information

Address

Sint-Stefanusstraat
3700 Tongeren-Borgloon
Belgium
View directions

Opening hours

  • 07/03/2026 – 2:00 PM
  • 02/05/2026  – 2:00 PM
  • 05/09/2026  – 2:00 PM
  • 07/11/2026 – 2:00 PM

  • Registration required.

Accessibility

  • Easy access for people with disabilities.

Good to know

  • Admission: free

  • The church can also be visited at other times, provided you book a guide. Cost: 70 EUR. Reservations can be made via Visit Tongeren-Borgloon.

Any questions?

Tourist information

Other sites nearby

A Gothic church interior with arched ceilings and colorful stained-glass windows. The altar features candles and religious ornaments, evoking a serene atmosphere.
Visit Tongeren

Saint Martin’s Church (Tongeren-Borgloon)

The oldest church in Berg is a perfect example of Romanesque architecture. Take time to pay a visit to admire the restored architecture and the artwork inside.
Twelve small, intricately detailed religious figurines in two rows on a plain background. Made of metal, some hold crosses, others have halos, reflecting a sacred tone.
Eddy Dens

Teseum (Tongeren-Borgloon)

The fact that precious metalwork from the Low Countries was of the very highest quality is demonstrated by the spectacular treasury of the Teseum in Tongeren.