Nederland - Houthem, Sint-Gerlachuskerk

The Sint-Gerlachuskerk is one of the most famous Dutch places of pilgrimage. And even in these days there are about 30.000 pilgrims a year visiting the church and especially the tomb of Gerlachus van Houthem. Saint Gerlachus was a knight who became a hermit and settled in 1164 or 1165. His grave attracts many pilgrims. In 1201 a cloister was founded near the grave. At first the cloister housed both men and women, but in 1225 it became a convent for noblewomen only.

Between 1720 and 1727 a new church was built, an aisle less building in German baroque style. The name of the architect is unknown. In 1751 the interior was painted by Johan Adam Schöpf, who made 15 frescos about the life of Saint Gerlachus. The frescos were repainted with oil paints in 1872. In 1971 the oil paint layers were removed and the original paintings restored. In the middle of the church is the saint's tomb. In the open space under the tomb lies a heap of 'blessed sand' (actually limestone powder). Believers can put some ‘sand’ in a bag and take it home.

The Sint-Gerlachuskerk nowadays is the parish church of Houthem and is a Dutch national monument.