Eglise Notre-Dame du Sablon (Church of Our Lady of the Sablon), Brussels (must see)
The name "Sablon" originates from the sandy marshland that once occupied the area until the 17th century. The Place du Grand Sablon serves as a hub for antiques and houses leading chocolate makers such as Wittamer and Pierre Marcolini; it's also a great spot for a satisfying lunch. In contrast, the Place du Petit Sablon park is adorned with statues representing the medieval guilds of Brussels. Between the two areas stands this 15th-century church of the Guild of Crossbowmen (or archers), a splendid example of Brabantine Gothic architecture, complete with a lofty nave and chapels embellished with sculptures by some of the most celebrated 17th-century artists.
The structure initially served as a place of worship for the guild members in the 1300s; however, a century later, it had to undergo significant enlargement to accommodate the influx of pilgrims drawn by the purported healing powers of its Madonna statue. The statue was acquired in 1348 through a daring theft from a church in Antwerp, reportedly carried out by a husband-and-wife team motivated by a vision, using a rowing boat. Although it's no longer present, a boat behind the pulpit commemorates this curious event.
Traditionally frequented by Brussels' elite, the church also served as a burial ground for affluent community members until the late 1700s.
Why You Should Visit:
To be awed by the grandeur, yet simultaneously feel the intimacy that sets this church apart from more conventional ones. The structure is exceptionally well-lit thanks to its numerous and striking stained-glass windows 鈥� some of the most memorable you'll ever encounter!
Tip:
Visit early on a Sunday to explore the antique market outside the church, adding to the overall experience.
The structure initially served as a place of worship for the guild members in the 1300s; however, a century later, it had to undergo significant enlargement to accommodate the influx of pilgrims drawn by the purported healing powers of its Madonna statue. The statue was acquired in 1348 through a daring theft from a church in Antwerp, reportedly carried out by a husband-and-wife team motivated by a vision, using a rowing boat. Although it's no longer present, a boat behind the pulpit commemorates this curious event.
Traditionally frequented by Brussels' elite, the church also served as a burial ground for affluent community members until the late 1700s.
Why You Should Visit:
To be awed by the grandeur, yet simultaneously feel the intimacy that sets this church apart from more conventional ones. The structure is exceptionally well-lit thanks to its numerous and striking stained-glass windows 鈥� some of the most memorable you'll ever encounter!
Tip:
Visit early on a Sunday to explore the antique market outside the church, adding to the overall experience.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Brussels. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Eglise Notre-Dame du Sablon (Church of Our Lady of the Sablon) on Map
Sight Name: Eglise Notre-Dame du Sablon (Church of Our Lady of the Sablon)
Sight Location: Brussels, Belgium (See walking tours in Brussels)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Brussels, Belgium (See walking tours in Brussels)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Brussels, Belgium
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
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Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
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Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
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Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
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Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.3 Km or 0.2 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.3 Km or 0.2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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