St. Willibrordusbasiliek
Hulst, NL
Roman Catholic Church of St. Willibrordus. Late Gothic, completely covered with cross-ribbed vaults, with an older tower at the crossing. The building, completely covered with limestone, is a beautiful example of a small city basilica in mature Brabant style. The tower, as far as the substructure is concerned, can still date from the 14th century; the church itself was built in the second half of the 15th and the first half of the 16th century. Interior: richly carved pulpit around 1800. Originally a single-manual organ made in 1610 by L. Isoré. Organ case with painted doors, which was given its current form around 1740. Reconstructed in 1971 and extended with a sub-positive and free Pedal. In the three radiating chapels of the ambulatory three stained glass windows with depictions of Willebrord (1902), Mary, Christ (signed 'Jul Dobbelaere Brugge', 1901). In the north wall of the choir window with depiction of Mary ('Rosa Mystica'). In the south wall of the choir glass with text 'Go to Joseph', signed 'Mengelberg Utrecht' and 'dd Jos Seydlitz'. Adjoining chapel with depiction of the Holy Family (1868-1893) and twelve saints. Glass in clerestory of choir closure with three scenes from the Passion story. Window in west facade with Last Judgement, signed 'Joep Nicolas 1933'. The stained glass windows are valuable art and cultural historical components of the basilica. Bell frame with chime consisting of a bell by W. Wegewaert, 1563, diam. 156 cm and a clock by Pieter Hemony, 1669, diam. 66 cm. Mechanical tower clock, B. Eijsbouts, 1915. On the wall of the south aisle there is a sundial that deviates slightly to the east.