St Aubin's Cathedral

St Aubin's Cathedral, also known locally as Sint-Aubankathedraal, stands majestically in the heart of Namur, Belgium. This extraordinary structure, a blend of neo-classical and baroque architectural styles, is not just a place of worship but a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. As the episcopal church and the seat of the Diocese of Namur, the cathedral has been a central figure in the religious and social life of the city since its completion in the 18th century.

The Historical Journey of St Aubin's Cathedral

The origins of St Aubin's Cathedral date back to the mid-11th century when Albert II of the House of Namur founded the Chapter of St Aubin between 1047 and 1051. Initially located outside the city walls, the chapter included not only the church but also the residences of the canons, their meeting places, a small district of servants, and a cemetery. This area eventually became part of the city as it expanded.

In 1559, Pope Paul IV established the Diocese of Namur, and the collegiate church of St Aubin was elevated to cathedral status. Despite its significance, the original structure faced numerous challenges, including severe flooding in 1740, which damaged the already outdated building. This led to the decision to construct a new cathedral, a task entrusted to the Italian architect Gaetano Matteo Pisoni.

The construction of the new St Aubin's Cathedral began on June 24, 1751, under the supervision of Jean-Baptiste Chermanne. The project aimed to integrate the only surviving part of the old collegiate church, a tower elevated in 1648, with the parish church of St John the Evangelist into a single grand structure topped by a large dome. The construction faced several challenges, particularly with the dome, but was finally completed in 1767. The cathedral was consecrated on September 20, 1772.

Architectural Marvels of St Aubin's Cathedral

St Aubin's Cathedral is a stunning example of 18th-century ecclesiastical architecture, combining baroque, rococo, and classical elements. Unlike traditional Christian churches oriented from east to west, St Aubin's Cathedral is oriented from west to east and forms a Latin cross on the ground. The rounded arms of the transept and the apse add to its unique design.

Exterior Grandeur

The cathedral's façade is a masterpiece of neo-classical design, adorned with twenty Corinthian columns and crowned by a circular pediment with an oculus. Five statues, representing Jesus and four of his apostles, stand proudly atop the central part of the façade. The lower section features two niches housing statues and three medallions, enhancing its decorative appeal. The façade also includes three entrances, each topped by circular pediments, with the central entrance leading into the nave and the two side entrances opening into the aisles. Initially, the façade was intended to be flanked by two towers, but this plan was eventually abandoned.

Interior Splendor

The interior of St Aubin's Cathedral is equally impressive, with a total length of 78 meters and a height of 24 meters in the nave, transept, and choir. The interior height of the dome and its lantern reaches approximately 70 meters. The interior décor is predominantly in stucco, featuring paintings by renowned artists such as Antoine Van Dyck, Jacob Jordaens, and Jacques Nicolaï, a Jesuit brother trained in Rubens' school. The cathedral also houses Romanesque baptismal fonts.

The Aisles and Chapels

The aisles of the cathedral are constructed with a repeating square bay design, each covered by a dome on pendentives without a drum, illuminated by a bay in the outer wall. The aisles extend beyond the transept, forming additional chapels, including the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows, dating back to 1650, and the Chapel of St Aubin, established in 1655.

The Transept and Dome

The transept's crossing is home to the altar, situated under the grand dome. The four pillars supporting the dome's drum are flanked by Corinthian columns and adorned with statues of the four Fathers of the Church, crafted by Laurent Delvaux. The pendentives above the pillars feature bas-relief allegories of theological virtues and religion, adding to the cathedral's rich iconography.

The Organ and Choir

The cathedral's organ, originally built by Wilhelm Korfmacher between 1844 and 1849, has undergone several renovations and now boasts 60 stops spread across four manuals and a pedalboard. The monumental organ case has been preserved, maintaining its historical significance.

A Living Heritage

St Aubin's Cathedral is not just a historical monument but a living heritage, continually enriched by art and furnishings from various abbeys, churches, and former convents closed during the Revolution. Despite facing structural challenges in recent years, extensive renovation efforts have been undertaken to preserve this architectural gem for future generations.

Visiting St Aubin's Cathedral offers a unique glimpse into the architectural and religious history of Namur. Its grand façade, intricate interior, and rich history make it a must-see for anyone exploring the cultural treasures of Belgium.