St Walburga’s Church

St Walburga's Church: an imposing ensemble 

If anything is characteristic of Oudenaarde, it is the 88-metre-high tower of St Walburga's church. The remarkable thing is that the monument consists of two different architectural styles. The early Gothic choir section built in Tournai limestone dates from the 12th century. The rest of the lower church is a beautiful example of 15th-century Brabant Gothic.You can also read the rich history from the magnificent stained-glass windows. The church was restored in 2019. 

Outside opening hours, you can book a guide, for modalities see here. 

Carillon After all, aren't we listed in the history books as the proud owner of the oldest known carillon in the world? Faithful fans will know: every Sunday afternoon, city carilloneur Lode Schynkel gives the best of himself on the tower of St Walburga's church in a one-hour concert. 

Favourite listening spots: The Kleine Markt, the Ronde van Vlaanderenplein, the Begijnhof, the courtyard of the old O.-L.-Vrouwshospital, along with some cool terraces in the city centre are very suitable listening places. 

On Thursday mornings an extra pigment is added: the at times frivolous chimes lift the conviviality of the weekly market to a noticeably higher level. Don't forget to listen to the theme music that Lode Schynkel has programmed for the automatic carillon playing. Small but nice, these selected melodies provide a pleasant summer feeling. 

Visiting hours:

From mid-April and May:

• Tuesdays and Saturdays from 2.30pm to 5pm
• Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. 

In June, July, August and September:

• Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 2.30pm to 5pm
• Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and from 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday and public holidays from 2pm to 5.30pm 

ATTENTION: due to works, it will sometimes be impossible to visit the church in the near future. 

In October:

• Tuesdays and Saturdays from 2.30pm to 5pm
• Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m.