Chapelle Saint-Mort in Ohey, Belgium

At the edge of the Belgian towns of Haillot and Coutisse is a small, medieval church called Chappelle Saint-Mort, so-named for a legendary local saint. Translated to "Saint Dead," legend holds that Saint Mort was stillborn during the 7th century but was resurrected after his mother presented him at a church in the town of Huy. Here, the infant is said to have been baptized and given the name "Death." For 80 years, Saint Mort lived a pious life as a hermit tending sheep. After his death, his body was reportedly found in the woods and loaded into a horse-drawn cart. According to legend, the horses carried his remains to the church where he was presented at birth, and now buried in death. This legend stems from text written in the 16th or 17th century, which spawned the saint's cult-like following. During this period of renewed importance, Saint-Mort believers constructed a chapel on the site where he was said to have died, thus beginning Chapelle Saint-Mort. Below the chapel's alter is the "Coussin de Saint-Mort," a puddingstone of local origin linked to Saint Mort. Some accounts of his death claim that while being robbed, Saint Mort died after falling and hitting his head on the stone. Geological history indicates the puddingstone is a monolith of neolithic origins used to mark the location of fresh water. Indeed, the chapel is built at the confluence of seven springs. Once a place of pilgrimage, the chapel became a tourist destination in the 20th century. Some marked their visit by inscribing their names on zinc plates covering the chapel's choir. Today, seemingly thousands of signatures can be seen, many of which were written between 1900 and 1930, covering nearly all of the zinc plates. Contrary to what his name might suggest, Saint-Mort is invoked for tooth pain and young children who experience problems walking.

Apr 16, 2025 - 14:14

At the edge of the Belgian towns of Haillot and Coutisse is a small, medieval church called Chappelle Saint-Mort, so-named for a legendary local saint.

Translated to "Saint Dead," legend holds that Saint Mort was stillborn during the 7th century but was resurrected after his mother presented him at a church in the town of Huy. Here, the infant is said to have been baptized and given the name "Death."

For 80 years, Saint Mort lived a pious life as a hermit tending sheep. After his death, his body was reportedly found in the woods and loaded into a horse-drawn cart. According to legend, the horses carried his remains to the church where he was presented at birth, and now buried in death.

This legend stems from text written in the 16th or 17th century, which spawned the saint's cult-like following. During this period of renewed importance, Saint-Mort believers constructed a chapel on the site where he was said to have died, thus beginning Chapelle Saint-Mort.

Below the chapel's alter is the "Coussin de Saint-Mort," a puddingstone of local origin linked to Saint Mort. Some accounts of his death claim that while being robbed, Saint Mort died after falling and hitting his head on the stone.

Geological history indicates the puddingstone is a monolith of neolithic origins used to mark the location of fresh water. Indeed, the chapel is built at the confluence of seven springs.

Once a place of pilgrimage, the chapel became a tourist destination in the 20th century. Some marked their visit by inscribing their names on zinc plates covering the chapel's choir. Today, seemingly thousands of signatures can be seen, many of which were written between 1900 and 1930, covering nearly all of the zinc plates.

Contrary to what his name might suggest, Saint-Mort is invoked for tooth pain and young children who experience problems walking.