Église saint-Jean-Baptiste-au-béguinage

The church John the Baptist   it is practically the last remnant of the one founded in the 13th century beguinage u. The Notre-Dame de la Vigne Chapel stood there before, plundered in 1579 by Calvinists and finally pulled down in 1584. Construction of the new church, which has survived to the present day, began in 1657 a year. It was consecrated in the year 1676.

The temple built on a cross plan is considered one of the most beautiful examples of baroque in Belgium. The church design is attributed to the wonderful architect Lucas Faydherbe. The late Baroque facade presents all architectural trends of the late 17th century, including pilasters, columns and entablature. Under the hexagonal bell tower is the main altar. In 1801, the temple of St. John the Baptist was promoted to the rank of a parish church. 

Church of John the Baptist in Beguinage, photo Monika Rochowiak.

Inside the church there are paintings and sculptures characteristic of the Flemish art of the seventeenth century. A great example of Baroque sculpture is the pulpit dedicated to St. Dominic, founder of the Dominican order. The pulpit created in 1757 was brought here from the church in Mechelen. Equally interesting are the beautiful 18th-century confessionals, decorated with allegorical women possessing items related to the sacrament of reconciliation. Particularly noteworthy are the wonderful paintings of the Flemish Baroque painter Teodor van Lo Adoration of the Magi and the Coronation of Saint. They were urged by the Baby Jesus.     

After years of demolishing houses, among others for the hospice, in the year 1856 the existence ended beguinage at. At its peak, around 1200 beginek lived here.   In November 2000 there was a fire that destroyed the church roof. It was rebuilt in 2006.  

Address: 

Place du Béguinage
            1000    Brussels            

Opening hours: 

monday-friday: 9.00-17.00
saturday, sunday: 11.00-17.00

Ticket price: 

Free entrance