Lost in the whispers of history stand before you the Église Saint-Pierre-en-Antioche. Its story unfolds like a tapestry woven through centuries.
The Église Saint-Pierre-en-Antioche in Ascq a now part of Villeneuve-d’Ascq has witnessed the passage of time. Its origins trace back to at least 1128 under the abbey Saint-Calixte de Cysoing. The church we see today however has roots in the late 15th century. A simple structure then it lacked a bell tower. Its walls rose from a foundation of sandstone topped with white limestone.
The 16th century saw the addition of the grand nave. In 1618 a confraternity Notre-Dame de Montaigu was established here. A testament to its existence remains a beautiful 18th-century ex-voto painting still adorning the church walls.
The 18th century brought further changes and renovations. The church bells were recast. A new bell named Louise was added in 1770. The choir was altered to accommodate the magnificent Les Noces de Cana tapestry. This tapestry a masterpiece of Flemish weaving is still there today. It’s a stunning sight.
The 19th century ushered in a period of extensive modifications. The church gained its distinctive brick bell tower. The old stone floor was replaced. The side chapels and sacristy were added. In 1895 the surrounding cemetery was relocated. The church was also extended. The old plasterwork was removed.
The 20th century brought its share of challenges. In 1906 the main door was destroyed. A replacement was built in 1932. The bells were confiscated and sent to Germany during the war. Sadly the four small turrets were removed in a restoration effort.
The exterior of the Église Saint-Pierre-en-Antioche is clad in ceramic tiles and orange bricks. These were added in 1932. They mask the original limestone stones from the Lezennes quarries.
The church underwent further restoration between 1948 and 1951. During these works a coin depicting Duke Philip the Good was found in the foundation.
The Église Saint-Pierre-en-Antioche is more than just stones and mortar. Its history echoes with the lives of those who built it renovated it and worshipped within its walls. It is a living testament to the enduring faith and resilience of the community. It is a treasure.