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Sint-Martinuskerk: Genk's Modern Gothic Gem

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Discover Genk's iconic Sint-Martinuskerk, a modern Gothic masterpiece with a rich history and stunning carillon.

The Sint-Martinuskerk in Genk is a striking example of modern Gothic architecture, built in the 1950s after its predecessor was destroyed in WWII. Its towering brick structure and significant carillon make it a notable landmark in the city center.

A brief summary to Sint-Martinuskerk

Local tips

  • Visit on Thursday morning to experience the weekly market and hear the carillon being played.
  • Take a walk around the Crypteplein to see the archeological remains of previous churches.
  • Explore the interior to admire the stained glass windows and the Stations of the Cross.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Sint-Martinuskerk is located on Crypteplein in the center of Genk, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the train station, head west along the Stationsstraat, then turn left onto the Europalaan. Continue onto the Vennestraat, and then turn right onto the Rootenstraat. Finally, turn left onto the Crypteplein. The church will be on your right. The walk is approximately 400 meters and should take about 5 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The Sint-Martinuskerk is well-served by local buses. Several bus lines stop near the church. From Genk Station, you can take bus lines 12, 20A, 20B, 3, 4, 45 or 5. Check local schedules for the most up-to-date information. A single journey ticket within Genk city limits costs €1 if you purchase a 10-journey ticket with a municipal discount. Otherwise, tickets can be purchased on the bus.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Genk. A taxi ride from Genk Station to the Sint-Martinuskerk is a short trip. The base fare for a taxi in Genk is €4.00, with an additional €2.00 per kilometer. The ride should cost approximately €6-8.

Discover more about Sint-Martinuskerk

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.

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