Kerken in Damme

Historic Churches and Chapels

This collection highlights the religious architecture of Damme and its surrounding polder villages, featuring a range of Gothic and Neo-Gothic structures. Key sites include the iconic flat-topped tower of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Hemelvaartkerk and the 13th-century parish church in Hoeke. From the complete Neo-Gothic ensemble in Vivenkapelle to secluded regional chapels like Spermalie and Sarepta, these landmarks offer insight into the region's medieval origins and 19th-century architectural heritage.

Historic Churches and Chapels — Kaart

LimoWreck / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Geboorte en Sint-Philippuskerk

Part of a rare, complete Neo-Gothic village ensemble designed by architect Jean-Baptiste de Bethune in the 1860s, including a monastery and school.

Johan Bakker / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Sint-Jacob de Meerderekerk

A 13th-century early Gothic church in the village of Hoeke, featuring a distinctive square tower and simple brick architecture.

MJJR / CC BY 3.0

C

Sint-Jozefkerk

A Neo-Gothic parish church built in 1883 to serve the community of Donk.

MJJR / CC BY 3.0

D

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Hemelvaartkerk

A monumental Gothic church famous for its massive flat-topped tower. The building was significantly reduced in size during the 18th century, leaving impressive ruins.

Marc Ryckaert / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

Sint-Dionysiuskerk

The parish church of Moerkerke, reconstructed in Neo-Gothic style after the original building was destroyed during World War II in 1944.

F

Sint-Quintinuskerk

Located in Oostkerke, this church features a 14th-century tower and was rebuilt following heavy damage during the Second World War.

G

Heilige Drievuldigheid en Heilige Christianuskerk

A 17th-century brick church in Lapscheure, constructed to replace an earlier medieval building lost to flooding and war.

H

Sint-Niklaaskerk

The parish church of Koolkerke, showcasing architectural elements from various historical periods and renovations.

Michielverbeek / CC BY-SA 4.0

I

Sint-Martinuskerk

A Neo-Gothic brick church built in the 1890s, serving as the central place of worship for the town of Sijsele.

J

Mariakapel "Roos Lamotens"

A small devotional chapel reflecting the local tradition of Marian pilgrimage and regional folk piety.

K

Kapel van Onze-Lieve-Vrouw in de nood

A traditional roadside chapel in Sijsele dedicated to Our Lady of Distress.

L

Heilig Hartkapel

A small regional chapel dedicated to the Sacred Heart.

M

Spermaliekapel

A chapel situated on the grounds of the historic Spermalie farm, once the site of a 13th-century Cistercian abbey.

N

Sareptakapel

A chapel associated with the former Sarepta monastery, which has historical roots dating back to the 15th century.