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Collegiate Church of Saint Begga

Coordinates: 50°29′13″N 05°06′13″E / 50.48694°N 5.10361°E / 50.48694; 5.10361
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Collegiate Church of Saint Begga
Interior of the church

The Collegiate Church of Saint Begga (French: Collégiale Sainte-Begge) is a collegiate church in Andenne, Belgium. Founded in the 7th century, the currently visible church dates from 1770 to 1775 and was designed by architect Laurent-Benoît Dewez.

History

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The church traces its origins to the 7th century, when an abbey was founded in Andenne by Saint Begga.[1] By the 11th century, the abbey was transformed into a collegiate church, eventually developing into an aristocratic community centred around the church. Eventually, the living quarters became more monastic in character and had their churches; by the 18th century, there were seven churches and corresponding communities, surrounded by a wall.[2] The current church replaced these structures and was built 1770–1775 to designs by architect Laurent-Benoît Dewez.[3]

Architecture

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The church is built of limestone, the floor plan consisting of a nave with two aisles, five bays long. The transept has two side chapels and ends in two apses; the choir also ends in an apse.[3] The façade is in two levels. The first is decorated with Ionic pilasters and crowned by an entablature; the second storey has Corinthian pilasters and is crowned by a pediment.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Mardaga 1998, p. 20.
  2. ^ Mardaga 1998, pp. 20–22.
  3. ^ a b c Mardaga 1998, p. 22.

Sources cited

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  • Le patrimoine monumental de la Belgique (in French). Vol. 5 (2 ed.). Pierre Mardaga, éditeur. 1998 [1975]. pp. 21–22. ISBN 2-87009-677-1.
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50°29′13″N 05°06′13″E / 50.48694°N 5.10361°E / 50.48694; 5.10361