Saint Walburga church

If there is anything typically Oudenaarde, it’s the 88-metre tall spire of the St Walburga’s Church. The choir loft was built in the 12th century with revenues from the tapestry business and high fees on beer consumption. The rest of the lower church is an exquisite example of 15th-century Brabant Gothic architecture. If the original construction plans had been fully completed, the church would have taken up a big chunk of our marketplace.

This edifice also houses a fantastic carillon that rounded the 500 year mark in 2010. Tune in on the wonderful tunes of our carillonneur extraordinair Lode Schynkel on Sundays from 12.00 until 13.00 p.m. and on Thursdays from 10.00 until 11.00 a.m.

Also possible here: a bit of birdwatching. A couple of years ago two peregrine falcons decided to make a lovenest at the top of the tower. Don't be surprised if you see a neat bunch of feathers twirling down from above. After all, mom and dad have to feed their offspring. For an up close and personal look, you can tap into our livestream here.