Sacred Crucifixion Church

About

The Church of the Holy Cross is the parish church of Jesseren, located on Jesserenstraat 48.

History: The Church of the Holy Cross was originally a quarter church of the parish of Borgloon. The law of patronage was in the hands of the Count of Loon, who lent it to his loaners. One of them, Willem van Leeuw, with his brothers Giselbert and Godfried, sold part of the parish rights in 1218 to the Abbey of Herkenrode, which acquired all the rights in 1258. In 1578 the tower of the Romanesque church collapsed. Also in later years it was mentioned that the church was ruined and had to be restored. From 1720-1723 a new church was built, of which the midship and choir still exist. In 1852, the western tower, designed by Herman Jaminé, was built, and in 1937-1938 the church was expanded with side beeches and a left side choir, after design by Joseph Deré. The tower was flanked by side chapels. Both above the portal and in the west facades of the side chapels are niches in which a holy statue is placed. The church is on an elevation.