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Celles |
a charming village in the province of Namur, founded in 669 with the arrival of the monk Hadelin. Situated in a valley, it boasts the title of one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia. Its most valuable monuments are: the collegiate church of St. Hadelina, a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture, and the hermitage of St. Hadelina. Two kilometers away is Vevés Castle. Celles is an oasis of peace, an obvious choice for tourists who sometimes like to get off the beaten track.
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Collegiate Church of Saint Hadelin
The temple is included in the list of the greatest monuments of Wallonia. It is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Belgium. The temple, built of local stone, was built in 1040. Under the church there are two crypts, from the 7th and 12th centuries. The central nave is twice as high and twice as wide as the side aisles. In the front part of the choir you can admire the simple and stylish stalls from the 13th century. The patron saint of the church is Saint Hadelin, who came to these lands together with Saint Remaklus, founder of the abbey of Stavelot.
Also noteworthy are the tombs of the region's aristocracy and a 13th-century baptismal font. Due to the miracles attributed to Saint Hadelin, the village became an important place of pilgrimage. Around 882, the church, along with thirteen monasteries of the Principality of Liège, fell victim to the Norman invasion. The pillaged and completely burned church was rebuilt by the Prince-Bishop of Liège, who established a chapter and sanctuary there.
Also noteworthy are the tombs of the region's aristocracy and a 13th-century baptismal font. Due to the miracles attributed to Saint Hadelin, the village became an important place of pilgrimage. Around 882, the church, along with thirteen monasteries of the Principality of Liège, fell victim to the Norman invasion. The pillaged and completely burned church was rebuilt by the Prince-Bishop of Liège, who established a chapter and sanctuary there.
On the hill stands the hermitage of Saint Hadelin. Stairs lead to it, decorated with the Stations of the Cross. The Neo-Romanesque buildings were built in the 19th century. Nowadays there is a kindergarten here. In the courtyard stands a statue of Saint Hadelin. The road leading to the Hermitage also leads to the feudal castle. Veves. Within a radius of about 10 kilometres of Celles are also the beautiful castles of Walzin and Freyr, and Dinant, a charming town and the birthplace of Adolf Sax, the inventor of the saxophone.
Situated in a charming valley, Celles exudes peace. Stone houses are located around a small stream that cuts the village in half. Tourists can enjoy atmospheric restaurants where they can relax between sightseeing. A German tank standing in the village is a reminder that Celles was the place where, on December 24, 1945, American soldiers stopped the German advance during the Battle of the Bulge.
Situated in a charming valley, Celles exudes peace. Stone houses are located around a small stream that cuts the village in half. Tourists can enjoy atmospheric restaurants where they can relax between sightseeing. A German tank standing in the village is a reminder that Celles was the place where, on December 24, 1945, American soldiers stopped the German advance during the Battle of the Bulge.