SAINT CATHERINE'S CHURCH

Sainte-Catherine is one of Lille's oldest churches, and undeniably one of its most beautiful. Strolling around the church and in the neighborhood is very pleasant. Just off the bustling Rue Royale, the atmosphere is calm during the day, and quite timeless. Founded in the ^13th century, the church's steeple dates back to 1504, yet houses the oldest bell in Lille (1403). In 1795, it was at the top of the bell tower that Chappe installed the optical telegraph for the world's first teletransmission line, linking Paris and Lille. This device remained in place until 1846, and the bell tower terrace housed a fire lookout until 1891. The high altar dates from 1867. The woodwork, destroyed during the French Revolution, was replaced in the ^19th century. The stalls feature 112 statues by Buisine-Rigot. To the left of the choir, a chapel features a painting by Wamps(L'Adoration des Bergers), but his masterpiece, Le Martyre de sainte Catherine, painted by Rubens, can now be seen at the Palais des Beaux-arts in Lille. Sunday morning mass at 10:30 a.m.