Herdenkingskapel voor Brabants Gevallenen, Waalre
Facts and practical information
The Oude Sint-Willibrorduskerk is a former church located on the Oude Torenstraat in Waalre village in the Netherlands. The church is owned by the municipality of Waalre and is a national monument.
The church consists of the 12th century Romanesque style tufa nave, and the later 15th century Gothic style extension and tower. The Romanesque tufa nave is one of the oldest in North Brabant. The church is equipped with a carillon and a pipe organ.
Since the Second World War, the church has been used as a memorial chapel for the fallen of Brabant. Every year in the second week of September, a provincial commemoration ceremony is held, which can be seen live on Omroep Brabant.
In addition, the church is rented out for church celebrations such as baptisms, weddings and funerals. After the fire in the town hall of Waalre on 18 July 2012, the church was designated as a regular wedding location for weddings in Waalre.
The grave of Anton Coolen is located in the cemetery surrounding the church.
A clock has been located in the tower at the level of the gutter of the nave since the tower was built in ca. 1470. It is equipped with an electric drive with endless chain. A pendulum catcher ensures that the clock runs precisely on time. The clock itself most likely dates from the year 1360. It is possibly the oldest complete working timepiece in the world and could have been made by Hendric van Thoren. It is on display in a partly glass cabinet.
Waalre
Noord-Brabant