St Catherine’s Church

Cornelis Floris II de Vriendt

Sacrament Tower of Zuurbemde
Sacramentstoren van Zuurbemde
KIK-IRPA

Bronstraat 4, Glabbeek

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Tourist information

Explore the intriguing history of the Sacrament Tower of Zuurbemde, a mysterious and rare masterpiece. Perhaps you can unravel who the couple at the foot of the work might be?

A detailed white marble altar with ornate sculptures and columns, featuring several human figures. The central panel is intricately carved, conveying elegance.
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St Catherine’s Church

St Catherine's Church is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria. The 16th-century chancel and transept are representative of Brabant Gothic and are among the oldest parts of the building. Inside, the masterful sacrament tower has been in place since 1557. St Catherine’s Church is a symbol of the rich history of Zuurbemde.

A decorative white relief features detailed sculptures and ornate columns framing a central golden panel. Intricate patterns and figures evoke a classical tone.
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Sacrament Tower attributed to Cornelis Floris II de Vriendt

A sacrament tower is a tabernacle made of stone, often in the shape of a (partially) freestanding tower. Usually it is located on the north side of the chancel, against the outer wall or under the pointed arches of the ambulatory. It serves as a repository for consecrated communion wafers. The sacrament tower of Zuurbemde which dates back to 1557 is attributed to the workshop of Cornelis Floris II (1514-1575). Although written evidence is lacking, the dating and style of the tabernacle point to him. Some striking similarities to Cornelis Floris’ sacrament tower in the St Leonard's Church in Zoutleeuw, reinforce this assumption. A weathered inscription on the pedestal states that Hendrik van Halle and Steven Jordens commissioned the tower in 1555. The identity of the couple kneeling at the base of the tower remains a mystery for now.

Intricate relief sculpture of a seated woman with two cherubs, set in an arched niche. The detailed floral and ribbon decoration adds elegance.
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Sint-Catharinakerk Glabbeek
Gert Janssens
A historic red brick church with pointed arches and a tall spire stands under a clear blue sky. The foreground features green bushes and a stone wall.
Gert Janssens

Practical information

Address

Bronstraat 4
3380 Glabbeek
Belgium
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Opening hours

  • Open every Sunday from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. 

Accessibility

  • Easy access for people with disabilities.

More information

Good to know

  • Admission: free

Any questions?

Tourist information

Masters of Imagination: out and about in Leuven

Follow in the footsteps of the legendary Flemish Masters. The Master Tours take you to extraordinary places in Flanders’ cities and towns, all connected by one story.
On a Flemish Master Tour in Leuven
A classical painting depicts several people in period clothing, engaging in intense discussion. Overlaid are large pink puzzle pieces, partially obscuring the scene.

Other sites nearby

Stone relief depicting a biblical scene, with central figure surrounded by four others around a table. Intricate details and ornate columns, conveying reverence.
Saskia Vanderstichele - Openbaar Kunstbezit Vlaanderen

St Leonard’s Church (Zoutleeuw)

The tabernacle of Cornelis II Floris, a tower which appears to reach up to the sky, is in itself worth a trip to Zoutleeuw.
A grand, ornate cathedral interior with high arches, stained glass, intricate statues, and gilded altar. Two people sit on wooden pews, evoking a serene atmosphere.

St Sulpicius Church (Diest)

Explore Diest and be charmed by exceptional masterpieces. Continue on to the St Sulpicius Church on the Grote Markt, in search of the Madonna of Diest.