A question lingers. What if these ancient stones of Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Vallée could whisper tales from centuries past? This church stands as a testament to faith and resilience. It is located in the historic Marolles district of Brussels.
Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Vallée has roots stretching back to the 12th century. A chapel stood here. Godfrey I Count of Louvain donated it to Benedictine monks in 1134. This original chapel was outside the fortified center of Brussels.
Around 1210 construction of the current church began. As the neighborhood grew the chapel expanded. It became the second parish church in the city.
The southern part of the transept and the Chapel of the Holy Cross emerged around 1215. The northern part of the transept followed around 1250. The choir completed around 1275 showcases a French-influenced style.
Over time the church faced many challenges. A fire in 1405 destroyed the nave. It was rebuilt in the Brabantine Gothic style and enlarged with side chapels. In 1574 Calvinists ransacked the church. It was damaged again in 1695 during a French bombardment. The spire was replaced with a Baroque bell tower designed by Antoine Pastorana.
The Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Vallée has undergone several restorations. These happened in 1866 the 1930s and 1989. Today it serves as the parish church for Brussels Polish Catholic community. An icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa is venerated in a side chapel.
The church reflects a mix of architectural styles. It marks the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture. The Romanesque transept and bell tower remain from the 13th century. The choir showcases early Brabantine Gothic. The nave reflects 16th-century flamboyant Gothic reconstruction.
Inside you will find sculptures by Jerôme Duquesnoy II and Lucas Faydherbe. Pierre-Denis Plumier created the pulpit. A funerary monument commemorates Pieter Brueghel the Elder. He was buried here in 1569. A copy of Peter Paul Rubens’ painting hangs here too. It shows Christ handing the keys to Saint Peter.
Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Vallée has hosted burials of notable figures. Pieter Brueghel the Elder rests here. Part of Saint Boniface of Brussels relics are also interred here.
Today Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Vallée stands as a symbol of Brussels history and faith. Its walls echo with centuries of prayers and stories. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty. Remember the generations who have sought solace within its walls.