Maarkedal

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Maarkedal is a Belgian municipality located in the Flemish region with 6428 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2012). It consists of the districts Etikhove, Maarke - Kerkem, Nukerke and Schorisse.

Oudenaarde is located 6 km to the north, Ronse 6 km south, 28 km north of Ghent and Brussels, about 52 km to the east. The next highway exits are located at Deerlijk and Waregem at the A14/E17. In Ouderaarde, Ronse and Geraardsbergen offers the nearest regional stations.

Parochial Church St. Britius

In the district Etikhove is the parish church Sint Britius ( Brictius of Tours ).

In 1116, the Benedictine Abbey St.Lambertus of Liessies in Northern France acquired the patronage of the church.

Remains of a Romanesque possibly earlier building (chapel ) are preserved in the west gable. Even before 1768 passed the late Gothic west tower at one time two-aisled crypt with four bays and square choir. In the years 1768 and 1837 to 1848 extensive renovations took place that led to today's partially neoclassical appearance of the now three-aisled basilica. The portals were renewed in 1897 in neo-Gothic style. After war damage in 1919 and 1949, the roof structure was repaired. 1953 and 1954 were held more repair work.

The interior is mostly Neoclassical ( 19th century ). A new organ was built in 1776-1789 with the assistance of old material. In 1932 she was altered and restored in 1980 and 1981.