Sint-Martinuskerk: Genk's Modern Gothic Gem

The Sint-Martinuskerk, located on Crypteplein in Genk, is more than just a church; it's a symbol of resilience and rebirth for the city. The site has been a place of worship since the 8th century, with a succession of religious structures preceding the current building. These included a wooden chapel, pre-Romanesque, Romanesque, Gothic, and Neo-Gothic churches. The previous Neo-Gothic church was irreparably damaged during the bombardment of Genk in 1944. The current church, designed by architect Maurice De Paepe, was constructed between 1950 and 1953, using the rubble from the bombings as part of its foundation. Built in a modern Gothic style, the brick building features a square tower topped with a tent-shaped roof. The interior is 60 meters long, 33 meters wide and 24 meters high. The tower soars to 64 meters and houses a beiaard (carillon) with 52 bells, which is played every Thursday during the weekly market. The stained-glass windows are by Liège artist Ri Coëme. Inside, you can find 20th-century sculptures by Raf Mailleux and a 16th-century sculpture. The church is often called the 'Kathedraal der Kempen' (Cathedral of the Kempen) because of its size. In 2019, the Stations of the Cross, painted in 1961 by Charles Eyck, were thoroughly restored.