1660 That’s the year inscribed above the entrance of the Sint-Wivinakapel. But this unassuming chapel holds centuries of history. This small chapel near Groot-Bijgaarden is one of the few remaining structures from the Sint-Wivina monastery. The monastery was partially demolished and sold after the French Revolution.
The Sint-Wivinakapel stands at the end of Sint-Wivinadreef. It’s a peaceful spot. You can almost hear the whispers of history among the leaves. The chapel itself is more than just a building. It’s a testament to faith resilience and a fascinating piece of local heritage.
Legend has it that Saint Wivina and her companion Emwara sought solitude here in the 12th century. They came from French Flanders. They built a simple hermitage near a spring. The spring’s water is said to cure sore throats. This humble beginning blossomed into a thriving monastic community.
The chapel has undergone several renovations. A stone bears the inscription Emmanuel Desferrieres le 24 d’aout 1808. This marks alterations under the abbey’s owner at that time. Another stone GHD F anno 1880 S Wivine points to further significant changes. In 1929 a complete rebuilding is documented on the land registry. The chapel received its current floor plan. The chapel was further renovated after its survey in the 1970s. An early 20th-century photograph shows it plastered with imitation joints and a small gable roofed canopy. This plasterwork and canopy were removed in 1976.
The Sint-Wivinakapel is more than a building. It’s a place of pilgrimage. Every year on the first Sunday of May it hosts a procession honouring Saint Wivina. This procession celebrates her life and legacy. It is a vibrant display of local faith and tradition.
Behind the chapel lies a forgotten cemetery. This cemetery belonged to the Brothers of the Christian Schools. About a thousand religious men and women are buried there. They are buried in 200 identical graves. Several people were added to each grave over the years.
Napoleon’s decree of 12 June 1804 changed burial practices. It placed all cemeteries under municipal control. This included those of religious communities. The Brothers of the Christian Schools were granted an exception. They built their own cemetery in the late 19th century. This illustrates the impact of historical events on even the quietest places.
The Sint-Wivinakapel isn’t just a place to admire. It is a place to reflect. It speaks of faith perseverance and a unique history. It sits on a crossroads of time and faith. It’s a small chapel. But its story is huge. Its tale echoes through the ages. Let its serenity and history inspire you.