Saint-Hadelin church, Celles

Saint-Hadelin church, Celles, originally uploaded by - di.

I took this photograph inside Saint-Hadelin church, Celles.

This particular Romanesque church was consecrated in 1047 by Bishop Wazon of Liège ...

The place was so cold and silent, you could almost feel the presence of past parishioners. Then Lut discovered a door to the right of this area I photographed and she said 'Di let's have a look, this probably leads to the crypt'.

Call me a chicken if you like but heading down a stone staircase to the crypt in an ancient empty church isn't really my thing. And I can be quite stubborn once I've made a decision about what I won't do.

Lut disappeared on her own. I wandered around the church.
Suddenly there was a sound, not unlike a heavy coffin lid being lifted (or a squeaky wooden door being pushed for those less imaginative). I heard myself laugh nervously and wondered how brave I would be if she ran out, pursued by the ghosts of angry Templar Knights ...

Eventually she emerged on the other side of the building, the stone tunnel had taken her under the church, leaving her more convinced that I should come take a look.

Research this morning makes me happy I didn't ...

Below the tower remains a 9th century crypt. In this crypt the relics of Saint Hadelinus are kept in a niche. A second crypt can be found underneath the choir.

On a brighter note, the choir stalls date from the 13th century, making them the oldest of their kind in Belgium.