Église Sainte-Croix de la Futaie – Heilig Kruiskerk

What secrets lie buried beneath the Église Sainte-Croix de la Futaie – Heilig Kruiskerk? Let’s uncover the captivating story of this unique church, nestled in the heart of Ixelles, Brussels. The Église Sainte-Croix de la Futaie – Heilig Kruiskerk stands as a testament to the ever-changing landscape of faith and architecture. Its very existence represents a fascinating blend of styles and a resilient spirit. The original Sainte-Croix church, a humble place of worship for charcoal workers from the Sonian Forest, stood on this very spot. As Ixelles’s population boomed, the little church proved too small. It was demolished by communal authorities, paving the way for a grander vision. In 1859, construction began on a new neo-Gothic structure, envisioned by architect Van de Wiele and championed by Father Jean Joseph Dox. This new Église Sainte-Croix de la Futaie – Heilig Kruiskerk, completed in 1863 and inaugurated in 1865, was a striking blend of red brick and French stone. However, the unstable, sandy ground near the Ixelles ponds began to take its toll. Fissures spread throughout the building, threatening its stability. Decades later, between 1940 and 1942, a dramatic transformation took place. Architect Paul Rome, known for completing the Koekelberg Basilica, encased the fragile neo-Gothic structure in a new shell of brick and concrete. This gave the Église Sainte-Croix de la Futaie – Heilig Kruiskerk its distinctive Art Deco exterior. The result is a remarkable juxtaposition: a neo-Gothic interior hidden beneath a modernist facade. Inside, the Église Sainte-Croix de la Futaie – Heilig Kruiskerk holds a treasure trove of art and history. Art Deco confessionals and altars stand alongside remnants of the original neo-Gothic design. Stained glass windows, created by renowned artists Colpaert and Crespin, bathe the interior in vibrant colors. The church also houses a relic of the True Cross, encased in a large staurotheque reliquary. This relic is said to be the same one enshrined by Archbishop Jean de Bourgogne in the very first place of worship on this site. The church also boasts several stunning statues, including one of Notre-Dame de la Cambre, a gift from the Abbess of La Cambre. The Église Sainte-Croix de la Futaie – Heilig Kruiskerk stands not only as a place of worship but as a living chronicle of Ixelles’s history. Its evolution from a humble chapel to a grand church, and its architectural metamorphosis from neo-Gothic to Art Deco, reflects the resilience and adaptability of both faith and community.