Aalst - Sint-Martinuskerk
A short distance east of the Grote Markt the road opens onto Priester Daensplein with Sint-Martinuskerk in the center. The church was begun around 1480 under the direction of a little known masterbuilder Jan van der Wouwe. However the choir and its ring of chapels, much the most interesting part of the building, are the work of more famous architects, in particular Herman and Dominic de Waghemakere who built Antwerp Cathedral, and the great Laurens Keldermans from Mechelen. The religious wars of the 16th C. prevented the church's completion.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
Sint-Martinuskerk
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Things to See
Sint-Martinuskerk Interior
The church interior, plain in itself, contains some exceptionally fine works of art.
On the left of the altar can be seen a stone tabernacle by Jerôme Duquesnoy the Elder (1604). Two of the chapels encircling the choir deserve particular mention: the first chapel on the right, in which hangs an especially fine painting by Ambroise Francken entitled "Shepherds Praying"; and the fourth chapel along, containing the tomb of Dirk Martens. Amongst the church's other treasures is a three-part monstrance by the Antwerp goldsmith Lestiens (1631).
On the left of the altar can be seen a stone tabernacle by Jerôme Duquesnoy the Elder (1604). Two of the chapels encircling the choir deserve particular mention: the first chapel on the right, in which hangs an especially fine painting by Ambroise Francken entitled "Shepherds Praying"; and the fourth chapel along, containing the tomb of Dirk Martens. Amongst the church's other treasures is a three-part monstrance by the Antwerp goldsmith Lestiens (1631).
St Roch and the Plague Sufferers 
Outstanding among the church's works of art is the painting "St Roch and the Plague Sufferers" attributed to Peter Paul Rubens. This hangs in the chapel located to the left of the right-hand aisle.
