Overview:

The Basilica of Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel , also known as the Basilica of Scherpenheuvel-Zichem , is located in the small town of Scherpenheuvel-Zichem in the province of Flemish Brabant in Belgium's Flemish region. Built in 1726-1727 with a Baroque design, the basilica has been a popular pilgrimage site for centuries and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The basilica was originally a chapel in honour of Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel, the patron saint of pilgrims. Inside, visitors will find various shrines, statues, and a 900-kilogram bell made of cast copper. The church also contains a large mural, which dates back to 1728 and is believed to have miraculous properties. During the annual pilgrimage which is held in September, thousands of people flock to the basilica for the procession, mass, and various other festivities. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belgium
Prominent Features:

The Basilica of Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel or the Basiliek van Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Scherpenheuvel is a Roman Catholic church located in the city of Scherpenheuvel-Zichem in the province of Flemish Brabant in the south of Belgium. The original shrine, built in 1627, honors the Virgin Mary and the miraculous healing of a local farmer's horse. The current baroque basilica was built in the early 18th century, and is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Belgium, with over 250,000 visitors annually. Several notable features of the basilica include its two large bell towers, the impressive baroque facade, and the ornate interior, featuring several stunning paintings and sculptures. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belgium.

History:

The Basilica of Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel, located in the village of Scherpenheuvel-Zichem in Belgium, is a historic Marian place of pilgrimage and worship. The basilica dates back to 1570 when a miraculous statue, reported to have been found by a farmer named Gillis van der Geen and depicting the Virgin Mary and Child, was discovered on the site. The statue soon began to draw pilgrims from near and far, and by 1627, a chapel had been built to house it. The chapel was officially consecrated in 1635, formally establishing it as a place of worship and pilgrimage. By 1633, the number of pilgrims had grown so large that a larger church was needed to accommodate them. Construction on the new church began in 1633 and was completed in 1651. The new church was built of brick in a classic Baroque style, and included two century towers. For the next two hundred years, the number of pilgrims visiting the Basilica only increased. In 1803, the archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels, which had been the church’s institutional patron, declared the church a Minor Basilica. This was a significant step in the life of the church as it was now officially recognized as a pilgrimage site. It was also around this time that the church underwent significant renovations and expansions. This included the addition of a new tower, a sacristy and an underground spiral staircase that connected the church to an outdoor area. In 1849, a new steeple was constructed and in 1873 a new ambo was added. In 1896, a major renovation campaign was launched which included the installation of new altars and murals. The 20th century was a period of expansion and renovation for the church. In 1933, a new crypt was added to house the miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary and Child. In 1954, the whole church was reconsecrated and the crypt publicly opened. The following year, a new sanctuary was erected in the center of the nave. Today the Basilica of Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel serves as an important center of faith and pilgrimage for Catholics in Belgium. The church is regularly visited by pilgrims from all over the world, and it continues to attract large numbers of faithful who flock to this sacred site. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belgium with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Basilica of Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel is the oldest Marian pilgrimage site in Belgium and is one of the most important in the country. 2. This stunning basilica was originally built in 1627 and is the largest votive church in the Lowlands. 3. It is situated at the top of a tall hill and has an impressive height of 52 meters. 4. The spiral staircase of the basilica contains 75 steps and symbolizes the age of the Virgin Mary when she died. 5. Inside the basilica, visitors will find a painting of Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel, which was painted in 1764. 6. The basilica is also home to numerous religious artifacts, including a decorated altar and a beautiful cupboard, which was created for the purpose of containing holy relics. 7. On the 4th of August, 1636, the area crowded with devotees who witnessed the miracle of Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel. 8. Every year since then, the faithful honor the miracle by visiting the basilica and leaving candles, flowers, and other offerings to the Virgin Mary. 9. The Feast of Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel is celebrated on September 15th and a procession is taken out through the streets of Scherpenheuvel-Zichem. One of the historical monuments of Belgium, it tells the story of a bygone era