Overview:

The Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk is a Romanesque-style Roman Catholic church located in Mechelen, Belgium. It is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and is one of the major treasures of the city. The church was built in the thirteenth century and is renowned for its exquisite stained-glass windows, carvings, and elaborate frescoes and was recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church is open to visitors and offers a variety of special activities such as concerts, workshops, and exhibitions. There are also many religious services that take place on a regular basis. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belgium
Prominent Features:

- The Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk in Mechelen, Belgium is a Roman Catholic Marian shrine. - It consists of a beautiful Baroque exterior, with its spectacular Baroque towers, encircling a quiet inner courtyard. - Inside, its stunning interior features a spectacular marble retable, a huge painting of the Assumption of Our Lady adorning the central altar and an amazing collection of religious artwork. - It is also home to the crypt of Saint Rumbold, one of the patron saints of Mechelen, and is the site of many religious events throughout the year. - The entrance to the Basilica is dominated by the Shrine of Our Lady of Hanswijk. Here visitors can find a replica of a medieval statue of Our Lady of Hanswijk, as well as a stunning silver statue that was crafted in 1957. - Visitors can also take part in a traditional pilgrimage to the shrine, which involves taking part in certain devotions and visiting various other religious sites in the area. - Finally, the Basilica is also home to the mayor's office, giving visitors a glimpse into the civic and religious life of this vibrant city. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belgium.

History:

The Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk is a Roman Catholic Marian Basilica located in Mechelen, Belgium. It is built on the site of a chapel dating back to the 12th century. The chapel was originally constructed as a thanksgiving to the Virgin Mary, after a large fire destroyed the city in 1190. The chapel was expanded in the 14th century to a larger church and dedicated to Our Lady of Hanswijk. By the end of the 16th century, the chapel had become the parish church of the city, but it was destroyed in a fire in 1572. In 1578, Bishop Viglius rebuilt the church in the Renaissance architectural style. The following year, the first mass was celebrated at the newly built church. In 1625, under the guidance and perseverance of Father Willem Dubois and Cardinal Antoine Perrenot de Granvelle, the church became the second pilgrimage site in the country after the national shrine of the Sacred Heart. Granvelle wanted to construct a grand basilica in the honor of Mary. The works began in 1649 and the construction was completed in 1662. The new basilica proudly became the parish church of Mechelen but its fame spread far beyond Mechelen. Pilgrims from all over the country and from abroad began visiting its doorsteps. To accommodate pilgrims, a diocesan sanctuary was built to serve as a centre for Marian devotion. In 1805, when the French invaded Belgium, the Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk was turned into a warehouse and the statue of Our Lady was removed. A few years later, it was restored to its former glory. Since then, the Basilica has been a popular destination for pilgrims and worshippers. It was declared a Minor Basilica by Pope Pius XI in 1928. Today, the Basilica remains an important site for Marian devotion. In recent years, the Basilica has undergone a number of renovations and expansions. Since 2005, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Major Episcopal Buildings of the Architectural Work of Victor Horta. The Basilica is one of the most beautiful churches in Belgium and is well worth a visit. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belgium with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

-The Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk is one of the largest and most visited churches in Belgium. -The church was built in 1600 in Mechelen, Belgium to give thanks to the Virgin Mary who was believed to have protected the city from robbers. -The inside of the church is decorated with many eye-catching works of art, including 17th-century frescoes, paintings, sculptures, and stained glass windows. - The church has a Baroque bell tower that was erected in 1652. -The altar is covered by a magnificent altar painting of Our Lady of Hanswijk painted by Pieter Hoefnagel in 1660. -The Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk hosts many religious celebrations all year long, such as a Mass honoring the Virgin Mary. -The basilica's grounds are also open to visitors in the summertime and house a Victorian-style garden. -The basilica has been listed by UNESCO since 1997 as a symbol of the Baroque time in the Low Countries. One of the historical monuments of Belgium, it tells the story of a bygone era