Overview:

is a Baroque style Catholic church located in Tongeren, Belgium. It was built in the 18th century and is dedicated to Our Lady of Tongeren. The main facade features a four-story bell tower and is decked out in ornate stonework and sculptures. The interior is beautiful and ornate, with an altar featuring precious stones. The Basilica is a popular destination for pilgrims and visitors alike, with its stunning architecture and great religious significance. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belgium
Prominent Features:

, the Basilica of Our Lady in Tongeron is one of the most important tourist destinations in the country. The basilica stands majestically on an elevation above the town and provides a stunning view from the church square. It is famous for its baroque style and ornate interior decorations. The basilica is said to be one of the oldest churches in Europe and has a history that dates back to the 12th century. Inside the basilica, visitors will find a stunning collection of artworks and sculptures from throughout history. The most impressive feature of the Basilica of Our Lady is its main altar. This magnificent piece is said to be the tallest in Belgium and is intricately decorated with allegorical scenes depicting the Virgin Mary and the apostolic ministry. Other notable features include the marble floor, sculpted wood panels, and gilded columns. Additionally, the basilica is home to several religious relics, including the crown worn by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, a carpet from Catherine de’Medici, and the skull of St. Gertrude. The stunning façade of the basilica is also worth noting. Designed in a Baroque style, the facade is adorned with a tremendous painting of the Virgin Mary, complete with a chapel and towers. The painting is surrounded by statues of angels and prophets and provides a beautiful view of the town below. Additionally, an impressive 30-bell carillon is located atop one of the towers, providing a melodious backdrop to the cityscape. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belgium.

History:

The Basilica of Our Lady of Tongeren is a prominent Roman Catholic Church located in the city of Tongeren, Belgium. The church is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and is the oldest Marian pilgrimage church in Belgium. The origins of the church can be traced back to the 8th century, when a wooden church was erected on the site by St. Amandus, the Bishop of Maastricht, and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The church was destroyed by fire in the 10th century and was replaced by a Romanesque church in the 12th century. This church was destroyed by fire in 1656 but was rebuilt in its present form by the bishop of Liège. The new building was consecrated in 1702. The main attraction of this baroque church is its early 17th century wall reliefs which depict the Virgin Mary and the Holy Family. The interior decoration is also very impressive, consisting of marbles and mosaics from the 18th century. The church also houses a number of important religious artifacts, including the reliquaries of St. Amandus and St. Servatus, two relics of the True Cross, and a set of vestments belonging to St. Hubertus, the patron saint of hunting. Since 1885, the church has also been the site of a major annual pilgrimage, which is attended by hundreds of thousands of Catholics from all around Belgium and abroad. The main purpose of the pilgrimage is to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary and seek her protection. The pilgrimage has been held on the first Sunday and Monday in May, since its modern inception, and includes a procession, a special Mass, and hymns sung by choir. Today, the Basilica of Our Lady of Tongeren is one of the most significant pilgrim destinations in Belgium, drawing visitors from all around the world. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belgium with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Basilica of Our Lady in Tongeren is the oldest church in Belgium, with records of its existence as far back as the 4th century. 2. The Basilica is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and is home to a miraculous statue of the Virgin that attracts thousands of devotees each year. 3. Inside the Basilica are a number of fragments of pre-Roman mosaics. They date back to the 5th or 6th century, and are some of the oldest remaining works of art in Europe. 4. The Basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to both its architectural significance and the huge role it has played in the spiritual life of Belgians over the centuries. 5. Sitting outside the Basilica is a 950-year-old yew tree. It is considered to be the oldest living tree in Belgium. One of the historical monuments of Belgium, it tells the story of a bygone era