Saint Martin's Church (Kortrijk)

Saint Martin's Church
Saint Martin's Church
Sint-Maartenskerk; Saint-Martin's church
Location	Kortrijk (Courtrai)
Country	Belgium
Denomination	Roman Catholic Church
History
Founded	1390
Architecture
Heritage designation	Monument
Style	Gothic architecture
Completed	1390
Specifications
Height	83 m

St-Martin's Church (Sint-Maartenskerk in Dutch) is the main church and one of the principal Gothic monuments of Kortrijk (Courtrai), Flanders, Belgium. The church is dedicated to the saint Martin of Tours.

History

The first gothic Saint Martin's church, was burned down after the battle of Rozenbeke. This church was located at the place where a Roman church once stood (built in 650). The second church was built between 1390 and 1466, some remnants of which were incorporated in the present day church and remain visible. In 1585, the famous Sacramental tower was constructed in the choir. The current belltower dates from the 19th century, a rebuilding after a fire in 1862 ruined the choir and major parts of the roof and tower.

Amongst the artworks, old works of Gaspar de Crayer can be seen. The organ, dating to 1888, is a major work of Pierre Schyven.^[1]