Sanctuary of Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel
Marian Sanctuary in Belgium, visited by tourists from all over the world. According to legend, a shepherd found a statue of the Virgin Mary and Child lying on the ground, next to a tree in the unusual shape of a cross. When he picked it up, he froze like a stone. He only began to move when the statuette was removed from his hand and placed back on the tree. On August 25, 1872, Cardinal Deschamps, commissioned by Pope Pius IX, crowned the statue of Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel. This great event is commemorated in the sanctuary every 25 years with numerous ceremonies.
The basilica was built on the initiative of the Austrian archdukes Albert and Isabella. The design was created by architect Wenceslas Coeberger. The oldest domed church in the Netherlands was built. The heptagonal roof is intended to symbolize the seven joys and seven sorrows of Mary. The square tower, built of sandstone, houses a carillon consisting of 49 bells. The artist of the painting above the main altar is Theodoor Van Loon. The basilica was consecrated in 1627 by the Archbishop of Mechelen, Jacob Boonen. In 1922, the sanctuary church was raised to the rank of Basilica. Since 1952, the temple has been a protected monument.
Marian sanctuaries in Belgium
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Address:
Isabellaplein znr 3270 Scherpenheuvel |
Opening hours:
01/04-30/09: 7:15-19:00 01/10-30/03: 7:15-18:00 |
Fare:
Free admission |