Église saint-Jean-Baptiste-au-béguinage
Church of St. John the Baptist it is practically the last remnant of the founded in the 13th century Beguinage. The chapel of Notre-Dame de la Vigne previously stood in this place, plundered in 1579 by Calvinists and finally demolished in 1584. The construction of the new church, which has survived to this day, began in 1657. It was consecrated in the year 1676.
The temple, built on a cross-shaped plan, is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Baroque in Belgium. The design of the church is attributed to the great architect Lucas Faydherbe. The late Baroque façade presents all the architectural trends of the late 17th century, including: pilasters, columns and entablature. The main altar is located under the hexagonal bell tower. In 1801 the temple of St. John the Baptist was raised to the rank of a parish church.
Interior of the temple of St. John the Baptist in Brussels
Inside the church there are paintings and sculptures typical of Flemish art of the 17th century. A wonderful example of Baroque sculpture is the pulpit dedicated to Saint. Dominic, founder of the Dominican Order. The pulpit, built in 1757This is a variable, click here to edit, was brought here from the church in Mechelen.
Equally interesting are the beautiful 18th-century confessionals, decorated with allegorical women holding objects related to the sacrament of reconciliation. The wonderful paintings of the Flemish Baroque painter Theodor van Loon deserve special attention Adoration of the Epiphany and Coronation of Saint Ursula through Child Jesus.
After years of demolishing houses, including to build a hospice area, in 1856 the beguinage ceased to exist. In its heyday, about 1200 beguines lived here. In November 2000 there was a fire that destroyed the roof of the church. It was rebuilt in 2006.
Equally interesting are the beautiful 18th-century confessionals, decorated with allegorical women holding objects related to the sacrament of reconciliation. The wonderful paintings of the Flemish Baroque painter Theodor van Loon deserve special attention Adoration of the Epiphany and Coronation of Saint Ursula through Child Jesus.
After years of demolishing houses, including to build a hospice area, in 1856 the beguinage ceased to exist. In its heyday, about 1200 beguines lived here. In November 2000 there was a fire that destroyed the roof of the church. 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
|