13.8 km | 17.9 km-effort
The church is open to the public throughout the year. The church of Celles, remarkably well preserved, is considered as one of the best examples of Mosan Romanesque architecture. Built in limestone and sandstone rubble, it thought to be prior to the 12th century, while the crypt, under the choir, dates back to the 9th c. The church has the shape of a Latin cross with three naves and two rows of pillars.
Inside the church, note the many Gothic-style treasures: the stalls, among the oldest in Belgium (from the 13th century), a bluestone lectern (probably from the 16th century), the bluestone baptismal fonts decorated with angle heads (from the 16th century), statues of the Virgin Mary and Saint John in polychrome wood (from the 16th century), and a bluestone holy water font (probably from the 13th century). Note the beautiful stained-glass windows dating from 1600 and representing various scenes from the New Testament, and the interesting tombstones, notably the one in black marble that carries the remains of Rasse of Celles and his wife.
Outside, against the church choir, on the left hand side, you'll discover the Liedekerke-Beaufort chapel. This family – they are the lords of Noisy – built this richly adorned chapel in the 19th century. They bury all the members of their family in a vault beneath it, with an outside door opening onto the old cemetery that surrounds the church. A little further, against the outer walls, you'll admire a rather strange ensemble of ancient tombstones. Also pay attention to the arrow slits in the imposing defense tower.
On foot
Motor
Randonnées de la Maison du Tourisme Famenne - Ardenne Ourthe & Lesse PRO
