Construction of church 1548 (≈ 1548)
Original Flemish Hallekerke built.
1556
Erection of the tower
Erection of the tower 1556 (≈ 1556)
30 meters tower with arrow.
XIXe siècle
Expansions
Expansions XIXe siècle (≈ 1865)
Two undated extension campaigns.
22 janvier 1910
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 22 janvier 1910 (≈ 1910)
Official protection of the tower.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Round: by order of 22 January 1910
Key figures
Saint Antoine l'Ermite - Holy patron saint of the church
Dedication of the religious building.
Origin and history
Saint-Antoine de Houtkerque Church is a Catholic church in the Nord department in the Hauts-de-France region. Built in 1548, it is a typical example of Flemish hallekerke (church-halle), an architectural style common in this region. The building was enlarged twice in the 19th century, but its main structure and tower, erected in 1556, remain original. The tower, 30 metres high, is surmounted by a 20-metre masonry arrow, visible from a distance, which served as a bitter for navigators in this plain area.
The church is dedicated to St.Antoine l'Ermite, a very venerated figure in Flanders. Originally, the religious building was entirely wooden before being rebuilt in stone in the 16th century. Ranked a historic monument in 1910 (for its tower), it houses remarkable 18th century furniture, including five retables. This heritage reflects the cultural and religious importance of Houtkerque, a village marked by its Flemish history and its role in local navigation.
The site is located precisely at the 8 Contour of the Church, in the centre of the village. Its Insee code (59318) and its ranking among the historical monuments of the North underline its heritage interest. The arrow, an emblematic element, also illustrates the ingenuity of the builders of the time, combining practical function (visual benchmark) and religious symbolism.
Announcements
Please log in to post a review