Did the name Beatrijs Soetkens ever cross your path? Here at the Église Notre-Dame au Sablon, her story is intertwined with the very soul of this magnificent building. The Église Notre-Dame au Sablon, also known as the Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon, stands as a testament to faith, legend, and architectural grandeur. Its history stretches back to the 14th century, a time when guilds held significant power and religious fervor shaped the city’s landscape. Our tale begins with a vision. Beatrijs Soetkens, a pious woman, believed the Virgin Mary instructed her to steal a miraculous statue, Onze-Lieve-Vrouw op ‘t Stocxken, from Antwerp. She was to bring it to Brussels, specifically to the modest chapel of the Crossbowmen’s Guild at the Sablon. Against all odds, she succeeded. The statue’s arrival in 1348 marked a turning point. The small chapel, dedicated to Our Lady, became a focal point of devotion. The Crossbowmen’s Guild, recognizing the significance of this event, vowed to hold an annual procession, the Ommegang. This procession became a cornerstone of Brussels’ cultural calendar. The influx of pilgrims and offerings allowed for a more ambitious project: the construction of the Église Notre-Dame au Sablon itself. Work began around 1400, replacing the small chapel with the grand structure we see today. The church’s Brabantine Gothic style, evident in its soaring arches and intricate details, reflects the prosperity of Brussels during this period. The choir was completed in 1435, adorned with vibrant mural paintings. The nave followed, though the planned tower was never finished. Later additions, such as the Baroque chapels of St. Ursula and St. Marculf, commissioned by the wealthy Thurn und Taxis family in the 17th century, add layers of artistic richness to the church’s interior. These chapels showcase exquisite Baroque sculptures, a testament to the artistic flourishing of the Southern Netherlands. The Église Notre-Dame au Sablon has weathered turbulent times. Sacked by Calvinists in the 16th century, the original statue was lost. However, the church’s spirit remained unbroken. It even survived the French Revolution thanks to a quick-thinking priest’s pledge of allegiance to the Republic. The 19th century saw extensive renovations under architects like Auguste Schoy and Jules-Jacques Van Ysendyck, who added neo-Gothic elements to the church’s exterior. The result is a blend of historical styles, each telling a part of the church’s long story. Today, the Église Notre-Dame au Sablon stands proudly. It serves as a vibrant center of worship and a poignant reminder of Beatrijs Soetkens’ audacious act of faith. The Ommegang, though evolved, continues to honor the legend that shaped this iconic Brussels landmark.
Museum of the Gueuze
“Isn’t it strange,”” a visitor mused, “”that a brewery could also be a museum?”” Indeed, the Museum of the Gueuze,