Église catholique Saint-Jacques à Tournai — Attraction in Tournai

Église Saint-Jacques de Tournai or Saint James Church is a historically important church in Wallonia that was part of the pilgrimage routes of Santiago de Compostela. The current building dates back to the end of the 12th century and is a mixture of Gothic and Romanesque. Almost monumental in scale, sadly time has taken its toll on the building. What remains of the stained glass windows are amazing, but there’s little left save for the ones behind the high altar and on both ends of the transept. The stained glass behind the altar shown scenes from the life of the apostles, very Gothic, tall and mighty. The rose windows of the left transept is exceptionally beautiful, depicting the Virgin with the infant Jesus at the centre, surrounded by angels.

Sadly, there’s not much else worth seeing in the church save perhaps for the scenes of the crucifixion and passion. It’s worth a stop if you have...

Impressive once you know what (not) to see! Old (still used) church, fully ravaged in the middle ages during the reformation, remained as it was. All statues and furniture are gone, one small half-statue is left to be found, hidden (seek), though ravaged (see picture). Impressive environment, stripped naked stones, what a great acoustics.

If you (also) go visit the popular 'cathedral' (the 5 towers, also near the grand place),... first come to see this impressive (in it's nakedness) old churh,... than, and only than, go visit that cathedral in the city that gave birth to France (Clovis) and realize that it once was as looted and naked as this icone of...

Beautiful church in the centre of Tournai. It makes a beautiful combination of Gothic neoGothic and Roman styles. Given the name of the church it is quite easy to know on which...