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Church · Ypres, West Flanders
St. Martin's Cathedral (Ypres)
Gothic church immediately behind the Lakenhalle, with a 102-metre tower. It was rebuilt after the First World War and houses the tomb of Bishop Jansênio.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About St. Martin's Cathedral (Ypres)
The Sint-Maartenskathedraal, dedicated to Saint Martin, began construction in 1230 and was completed in 1370 on the site of an earlier Romanesque church. It is one of the great Gothic churches of Flanders and stands a few steps from the Grote Markt, behind the Lakenhalle.
It was the seat of the bishopric of Ypres from 1561 to 1801. After that the city was transferred to another diocese and the church lost its status as cathedral, but locals still refer to it as such.
In the First World War the church lay in ruins. Between 1922 and 1930 it was rebuilt according to the original plans, with one difference: the tower received a taller spire and reached 102 metres, putting it among the tallest structures in Belgium.
Inside is buried Cornelius Jansen, the Jansênio, bishop of Ypres from 1635 to 1638, whose ideas gave rise to Jansenism. The original monument over the tomb was destroyed in 1656 by order of the authorities of the Spanish Netherlands.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From twenty minutes to half an hour.
Best time
At any time of day, avoiding religious services. The tower photographs well from the north side of the Lakenhalle around late afternoon.
How to get there
It is located on Sint-Maartensplein, attached to the rear of the Lakenhalle. From the Grote Markt simply walk around the building on the Belfort side.
Tip
Notice the old photographs on display in Ypres that show the church reduced to loose walls. Comparing them with the rebuilt interior gives a sense of the scale of the destruction.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about St. Martin's Cathedral (Ypres)
Is the Sint-Maartenskathedraal still a cathedral?
Not officially. It ceased to be a bishopric seat in 1801, but the name cathedral remains in use by locals and on signs.
Who was Jansenius?
Cornelius Jansen was bishop of Ypres in the 17th century. His book on Saint Augustine gave rise to Jansenism, a religious movement condemned by Rome. He is buried in the church.