Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Pierre-en-Antioche d'Ascq, located in Place Charles-de-Gaulle in the district of Ascq in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, is mentioned since 1128 as a dependency of the abbey of Saint-Calixte de Cysoing. His term "Saint-Pierre" came from his attachment to the Saint-Pierre chapter of Lille. The current building, built at the end of the 15th century, was initially devoid of bell tower and composed of white limestone with a sandstone base. The nave dates from the 16th century, while the older choir dates back to the 15th century.

In the 17th century, a brotherhood of Notre-Dame de Montaigu was erected there by the bishop of Tournai, Maximilian Vilain de Ghent. In 1753 work changed the interior, including woodwork that had been abolished in 1895. The choir was transformed around 1760 to accommodate the tapestry Les Noces de Cana, and stained glass was added in 1767. During the Revolution, the church was sold as a national property in 1799 and returned after the Concordat.

The 19th century marked a major overhaul: construction of the brick bell tower (1842), addition of side chapels, and installation of a carillon. In 1906, the church became a symbol of resistance during the inventory of religious property, its door broken by the gendarmes. During World War I, the bells were requisitioned by the Germans and replaced in 1922. Restoration continues in the 20th century, with an external renovation in 2016.

The church houses remarkable furniture, including a tapestry classified as the Noces de Cana (1735), a baroque confessional (1683), and 19th century stained glass windows. Its architecture combines Lezennes stones, local bricks, and Gothic elements. Tombstones, such as those of the Counts of Sainte-Aldegonde, bear witness to his funeral history.

The site, linked to the parish of Cana, remains a place of memory, especially after the massacre of Ascq in 1944. Its last restoration (2016) preserved its heritage, financed by the city and donations via the Heritage Foundation.

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