Acquiring a facade from a demolished church is just one remarkable aspect of this building. Welcome to the \u00c9glise La Sainte Trinit\u00e9. This church is not just a place of worship. It is a testament to Brussels’ architectural evolution. The \u00c9glise La Sainte Trinit\u00e9 stands as a captivating blend of styles and stories.
The story begins in the 19th century. L\u00e9opold I sought to develop Ixelles. A temporary chapel was built between 1847 and 1857. Banker Georges Brugmann helped finance it.
The current facade has an interesting history. It came from the old Augustinian church. This earlier church was demolished in 1893. This was to make way for the Place de Brouck\u00e8re. The \u00c9glise La Sainte Trinit\u00e9 acquired this facade. It was reassembled stone by stone. It now graces the \u00c9glise La Sainte Trinit\u00e9.
Jacques Francart II designed the original facade. He blended Italian Baroque influences with the Brabant style. This facade is divided into three registers. These registers are typical of the Brabant style. Vertical lines dominate the facade. This is enhanced by shadow play and unique volutes.
Construction of the \u00c9glise La Sainte Trinit\u00e9 occurred in two phases. Jules-Jacques Van Ysendyck started in 1894. He planned to faithfully restore Francart’s Baroque design. Symons added a transept and chapels in 1907.
The facade is made of Grimbergen stone. The facade features three doorways. Each is adorned with a broken fronton. An oculus sits above each doorway. The facade’s verticality is striking. It is achieved through salient frameworks and shadow effects.
Inside, the plan is a Latin cross. The nave has five bays. Two aisles lead to rectangular chapels. The choir ends in a polygonal apse. Sacristies flank the apse.
Several elements inside are notable. The neo-Baroque altar is crafted from oak. The pulpit is also made from oak. Both came from Saint-Jean Hospital. A statue of Notre-Dame is present. It is a work of J\u00e9r\u00f4me Duquesnoy. Two 17th-century paintings depict scenes from Christ’s life.
The stained glass windows add color. Those in the choir date to 1937. Louis-Charles Crespin created them. A painting by Jean van Orley depicts Saint \u00c9loi healing the sick.
The facade of the \u00c9glise La Sainte Trinit\u00e9 is more than decorative. It reflects the city’s architectural history. The Brabant style is evident. Verticality is apparent. The facade’s Baroque elements add to its charm. Columns and pilasters enhance its aesthetic appeal.
The \u00c9glise La Sainte Trinit\u00e9 is a classified building. Its facade was listed on November 10, 1953. The building is located on the border of Ixelles and Saint-Gilles. It is oriented to the west. It stands at the end of Rue du Bailli.
Take a moment to appreciate how architectural styles blend. The \u00c9glise La Sainte Trinit\u00e9 is a landmark. It connects the past with the present. It enriches Brussels’ cultural landscape.