Overview:

: The Collegiate Church of Saint Gertrude in Nivelles, Belgium, is a Roman Catholic church that was built in 1265 and is dedicated to Saint Gertrude of Nivelles. It is noted for its architecture and sculptural decoration, and it is considered to be one of the purest examples of Gothic architecture in Belgium. The church contains a number of notable works of art, including an early 16th-century baldachin, or canopy, over the main altar, as well as a large wooden crucifix from the 18th century. The church is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and it is open for visitors. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belgium
Prominent Features:

1. The Collegiate Church of Saint Gertrude in Nivelles, Belgium, is one of the oldest churches in the region and a significant example of Romanesque architecture. 2. The church stands out for its notable front façade which features two magnificent 11th century towers featuring numerous galleries, arches, and pointed windows. 3. Inside, the church boasts impressive Romanesque murals done in the 12th century, as well as a beautiful neo-Gothic reliquary from the 19th century. 4. On the ground floor, the main nave and two aisles are supported by 13th century columns with capitals modeled on Romanesque forms. 5. The raised choir, built in the 15th century, is decorated with wooden choir stalls and a baldachin supported by four columns. 6. As an interesting detail, the Collegiate Church of Saint Gertrude features a sundial, carved into one of the columns, which was once used by the watchmen of the town to keep track of time. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belgium.

History:

The Collegiate Church of Saint Gertrude located in Nivelles, Belgium dates as far back as the 11th century. The church was built originally with a Romanesque architecture and was remodeled towards the end of the 13th century. The church was founded by Gertrude of Nivelles who was highly influential in politics at the time the church was established. She was a patron of the church, and also acted as the home of the abbey founded by the first of the Nivelles abbesses. The church is noted for its unique architecture, ornate carvings, and its medieval stained glass windows. The Collegiate Church of Saint Gertrude underwent several additional renovations in the centuries following its founding. During the 17th century, the Baroque master Pierre l'Enfant designed the chapel of St. Peter as well as the facade. In the 19th century, the church underwent major renovations at the hands of renowned architect Jules Thomas Blomme, who added a neo-Gothic façade to the building. The church is still active today and is often used as a wedding venue, as well as for other special events. It is also host to mass and other forms of spiritual worship. The church also houses many works of art, sculpture, and other artifacts from local Belgian artists. In 1994 the church was added to the list of protected heritage buildings in the Wallonia region, further testifying to its historical significance. Today, the Collegiate Church of Saint Gertrude serves as a reminder of the legacy of its patron, Gertrude of Nivelles and the dedication and hard work it took to construct the church in the 11th century. Its remaining art, architecture, and antique artifacts help give insight into the history of religious life in Belgium and the surrounding areas as well as the country’s cultural and spiritual growth over the centuries. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belgium with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Collegiate Church of Saint Gertrude in Nivelles, Belgium, is the remains of a Benedictine abbey that was founded in 655 by Blessed Gertrude of Nivelles, who was one of the most venerated saints in the region. 2. The abbey was destroyed in 1045 during an attack by the Normans and then restored in the following years. 3. In 1422, the building became a collegiate church when multiple smaller churches within the Abbey were united and merged in dedication to Saint Gertrude and became part of the newly founded collegiate community. 4. The Church holds multiple relics that belonged to Blessed Gertrude including her book, crucifix, and bed. 5. The Collegiate Church has remained largely unchanged since its completion in the 15th century, only undergoing minor interior renovations. 6. The church has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its impressive Gothic and Romanesque architecture. 7. The Collegiate Church of Saint Gertrude is popular with art enthusiasts due to its impressive collection of religious tapestries and paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries. 8. The Church also plays host to music recitals and activities such as supper evenings and retreats. One of the historical monuments of Belgium, it tells the story of a bygone era