Saint-Maurice church

The church of Saint-Maurice of Lille

The Lille audio-guided tour invites you to quiet contemplation before the church of Saint-Maurice, which could very well have become the cathedral of the city. This imposing Gothic building is one of the finest religious monuments of Lille.

A church built over the centuries

The construction of the church of Saint-Maurice began in the fourteenth century, but the building only took its present appearance in the nineteenth century. Over the centuries, it was enlarged to accommodate the influx of faithful, at the rhythm of the extensions of the city. In the nineteenth century, a long renovation campaign, spread over about fifty years, added sacristies, fine stained-glass windows and completed its Gothic silhouette.

What there is to see

The church of Saint-Maurice is a fine example of the so-called hallekerque Gothic, typical of Flanders, with its five naves of equal height that create an impression of space and light. Inside, the stained-glass windows, the furniture and the elevation invite silence and contemplation. Near the station, it is a high spiritual place of Lille, to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The church of Saint-Maurice stands in the centre of Lille, near the station. An active place of worship, it is visited with respect for the contemplation of the faithful; access is generally free during opening hours, which may vary according to services. Appropriate dress is appreciated.

When was the church of Saint-Maurice built?

Its construction began in the fourteenth century, but it only took its present appearance in the nineteenth century, after long campaigns of enlargement.

What characterises the church of Saint-Maurice?

Its Flemish Gothic architecture with five naves of equal height, which creates an impression of space and light inside.