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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church of Saint Martin de Bergues, founded in the 9th century by the Count of Flanders Baudouin II, is one of the oldest churches in the city. Mentioned in an 11th century chronicle, it underwent several reconstructions, notably in the 15th and 17th centuries, before being destroyed in 1944 during the Second World War. Only a few elements, such as bedside and works of art evacuated in 1939, survived.

The 1940 fire and German blasting in 1944 razed the building, including its iconic bell tower. Reconstructed in 1959 by architect Paul Gelis, it preserves medieval remains (absid, baptismal fonts, Renaissance porch of 1595) while integrating a simplified structure. The furniture saved, including paintings by Jean de Reyn and Guido Reni, is now on display at the Musée du Mont-de-Piété.

The original church, classified in 1907, reflected a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles, with contributions by artisans such as Georges Zeloerst (south transept, 1567) and Daniel Stoocke (clocher, 1510-1543). Its post-war reconstruction reduced its size by a third, retaining only a nave vessel and a transept. Modern stained glass is the work of Max Ingrand.

The site remains a testimony of the troubled history of Bergues, marked by conflicts and reconstructions. The preserved elements, such as the 1595 stone or the statue of St Martin, recall its medieval past. Today, the church combines historical memory and modernity, embodying the city's resilience.

The destruction of 1944 also took away the neighbouring belfry, symbol of Bergues. The bedside, with its three apses of the sixteenth century, is the oldest still visible vestige. The work of J.B. Ringot and Paul Destombs (1897-1900) had previously enriched the building with a flamboyant Gothic decor, now partially lost.

Partly classified as a historical monument, the present church is a place of worship and heritage, where there are baroque works (Robert van Hoeck) and contemporary structures. Its history reflects that of Flanders, between medieval heritage and successive reconstructions.

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