Sint-Gummaruskerk: A Gothic Masterpiece in Lier

Sint-Gummaruskerk, also known as the Great Church, stands as a proud symbol of Lier, its construction spanning from 1378 to 1540. The church is dedicated to Saint Gummarus, a knight and the patron saint of Lier, who died in 714 AD. His relics are housed in an 800kg silver shrine, which is paraded through Lier during the annual St. Gummarus Procession on the first Sunday after October 10th. The church's architecture is a stunning example of Brabantine Gothic style, with influences from Baroque and Rococo periods due to its lengthy construction. Inside, visitors can admire the stained glass windows, including one of the oldest and most valuable from the 15th century, the silver reliquary of St. Gummarus, the Colibrant triptych, and a copy of the Shroud of Turin. The 83-meter high tower, known locally as "de peperbus" (pepper pot), is the oldest Brabant tower and offers beautiful city views. The current carillon in the tower is the heaviest 18th-century carillon in Western Europe, and Belgian carillon culture has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage since 2014. Ongoing restoration works, started in autumn 2021 and expected to continue until 2029, aim to preserve this historical and artistic treasure. Despite the restoration, the church remains partially accessible to the public. Visitors can explore the Kardinaal Mercierplein surrounding the church, which offers inviting cafes and shops.