Saint Lupus Church

Saint Lupus Church, or Sint-Lupuskerk in the local language, stands as a majestic testament to Baroque architecture in the heart of Namur, Belgium. This Catholic church, with its rich history and striking design, offers visitors a glimpse into the past and a chance to marvel at its artistic and architectural splendor.

The History of Saint Lupus Church

The story of Saint Lupus Church begins with the arrival of the Jesuits in Namur in 1610. They took over a small college and expanded it, eventually constructing a church dedicated to Saint Ignatius, the founder of the Society of Jesus. The renowned Jesuit architect, Brother Pierre Huyssens, masterminded the design of the church, which is a quintessential example of Belgian Baroque architecture.

Construction of the church commenced in 1621 but faced numerous delays due to financial constraints, ultimately taking 20 years to complete. The church was finally consecrated in 1645 by the Bishop of Namur, Englebert Dubois. However, it wasn't until 1677 that the church's decoration and furnishings were fully completed, including the lateral altar dedicated to Saint Ignatius.

For over a century and a half, the church, originally named Saint-Ignace, served the Jesuit college, hosting numerous liturgical, spiritual, and apostolic activities. However, in 1773, following the suppression of the Society of Jesus by Pope Clement XIV, the Jesuits were forced to leave Namur. The church then became the parish church of Saint Lupus in 1777, named after Saint Lupus, the Bishop of Troyes who died in 478. This transition was marked by a solemn ceremony on September 14, 1777.

Throughout its history, Saint Lupus Church has undergone several restorations. Notably, between 1864 and 1867, the façade was reconstructed in blue stone, and in 1886, a new pulpit was added, crafted by the Dinant sculptor Benjamin Devigne. The church and the adjoining college were classified as historical monuments by the Walloon Region in January 1936, and a comprehensive restoration was undertaken from 1979 to 2011. In 2019, the Walloon Region funded the restoration of the church's organ, further preserving its historical and cultural significance.

Exploring Saint Lupus Church

Visitors to Saint Lupus Church are greeted by its stunning Baroque façade, inspired by the Church of the Gesù in Rome and Saint-Ignatius (now Saint Charles Borromeo) in Antwerp. The façade, reconstructed in Meuse limestone and white stone during the 1865 restoration, features a harmonious blend of classical lines and Baroque decorations. Fluted columns and pilasters, an axial portal, and niches housing painted wooden statues of Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Francis Borgia add to the façade's elegance. The frontispiece is crowned with the traditional Jesuit monogram IHS.

Inside, the church's grandeur continues with its three naves of six bays, a semi-circular choir, and an unfinished tower. The interior is adorned with bagged Ionic columns in red and black marble, supporting rounded arches. In the choir, niches with triangular pediments house white stone statues of Saints Peter and Paul, crafted by Georges Coquelet. Each side of the choir is flanked by chapels that conclude the aisles.

The Vault and Artwork

One of the most striking features of Saint Lupus Church is its vaulted ceiling, crafted from Maastricht sandstone and intricately sculpted in the auricular style reminiscent of Jacques Franquart. This unique sculpted ensemble extends to the side aisle vaults, creating a breathtaking visual experience.

The church's artistic heritage is further enriched by the works of Jacques Nicolaï, a Jesuit brother and disciple of Rubens. Nicolaï was responsible for the church's decoration, including a complete cycle of paintings dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Although many of his works were transferred to the Cathedral of Saint Aubain in 1779, some paintings remain in the church, positioned above the statues of Saints Peter and Paul. These were later replaced by works from the Liège painter Henri Deprez.

The Master Altar and Confessionals

The master altar, dating back to 1656, is a masterpiece of painted wood. Above the retable, a statue of Saint Lupus, originally Saint Ignatius transformed into a bishop with a mitre and crozier, presides over the altar. The church also boasts ten confessionals, each intricately decorated with interlaced patterns, friezes, cherubs, garlands, and twisted columns. These masterpieces of woodwork suggest the decadent Baroque style.

The Crypt

Beneath the last bay and the apse lies the crypt, where an archaeologist in 1849 discovered tombstone inscriptions of Jesuit fathers from the neighboring college, dating back to the 17th century. Though only fragments remain, they offer a poignant connection to the church's historical roots.

Saint Lupus Church in Literature

Saint Lupus Church has also found its place in literature. Victor Hugo, in his novel Les Misérables, described it as the masterpiece of Jesuit architecture. In 1866, the poet Charles Baudelaire, while on a lecture tour in Belgium, suffered a stroke upon leaving the church. Despite this tragic event, Baudelaire praised the church, calling it a sinister and gallant marvel and a terrible and delightful catafalque.

Saint Lupus Church is not just a religious edifice; it is a living testament to the rich history, art, and culture of Namur. Its Baroque splendor, intricate sculptures, and storied past make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this beautiful Belgian city.