Marvelous isn’t it? This is the Église Notre-Dame aux Riches Claires. Or as the locals might say Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ter-Rijke-Klarenkerk. A beautiful Baroque church isn’t it?
This magnificent structure dates back to 1665. The brilliant mind behind its design was Lucas Faydherbe a renowned Malinois architect and sculptor. He wasn’t just any architect though. His work shows the clear influence of the great Peter Paul Rubens. You can almost feel Rubens’ dramatic flair in the building’s lines.
The story of the Église Notre-Dame aux Riches Claires is far richer than its stunning façade suggests. Centuries ago in 1343 Poor Clares nuns known as the Riches Claires established a convent near the Porte de Hal. Sadly their first convent burned down in 1588 during the religious conflicts of the time. The nuns rebuilt on this very spot. Using the abandoned buildings of the Sisters of Nazareth.
The French Revolution drastically altered the church’s destiny. In 1796 the Poor Clares were expelled from their convent. The church became a military storehouse. The other convent buildings were sold off. The streets Saint-Christophe and des Riches-Claires were even built through the former monastery grounds. Amazingly the church itself survived. It became a place of worship once more in 1806.
It wasn’t always this size though. The church became too small for its growing congregation. So they added a side aisle on the left in 1824 and another one on the right in 1833.
Inside look closely. The main altar is made of exquisite marble dating back to 1706. There’s a statue of the Virgin Mary a truly significant piece. It was carved in 1659 and unveiled on the day Brabant’s three Estates pledged allegiance to the Immaculate Virgin. Notice the elegant oak pulpit in the nave. The medallion depicts the Sermon on the Mount. A subtle detail that many visitors miss.
So next time you are in Brussels don’t forget to visit the Église Notre-Dame aux Riches Claires. It’s a silent witness to centuries of history. A testament to faith resilience and architectural brilliance. Its survival despite tumultuous times is a story worth pondering.