Église Saint-Chrysole

Could a church rise from ashes? The Église Saint-Chrysole in Comines stands as a testament to resilience. This neo-Byzantine marvel, constructed between 1922 and 1938, replaced an earlier church ravaged by the First World War. Architect Maurice Storez, aided by Dom Paul Bellot, employed innovative concrete techniques. This allowed for grand volumes and expansive openings without the need for traditional buttresses or arches. Église Saint-Chrysole’s striking design earned it recognition from the European Commission in 1995. It was subsequently added to the “Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments” in 2001. Then in 2002, it achieved full Monument Historique classification. Time took its toll. By 2005, concrete carbonation threatened the church’s integrity. A comprehensive restoration, spanning masonry, woodwork, painting, stained glass, and electrical systems, began in July 2011. This project, overseen by the Chief Architect of Historic Monuments, breathed new life into the Église Saint-Chrysole. The church was re-inaugurated on October 21, 2017. It now stands proudly. A virtual tour captures the splendor of the restored Église Saint-Chrysole.