Notre Dame du Sablon (Church of Our Lady at Sablon / Église Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon) is a beautiful Late Gothic church located in the upper town of Brussels, founded during the fifteenth century on the site of a small chapel from 1304.
The church is located the well-known Brussels neighbourhood of the Sablon, famous for its antique shops and market and chocolate makerswith beautiful shops and galleries. The church is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and its wooden pulpit made in 1697. It is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Belgium and is among the best churches in the city, along with the Brussels Cathedral and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
History
Notre Dame du Sablon was founded during the fifteenth century, but there was a small chapel commissioned by the archers of the city on the same site in 1304. Legend has it that a young girl from Antwerp had a vision that the Virgin Mary asked her to take her image to Brussels. The girl took a boat to the capital and handed a statue of the Virgin to the archer’s temple. The chapel quickly became a place of pilgrimage and was enlarged.
Architecture
The church was built in the Late Gothic style, similar to the Brussels Cathedral, and is one of the most beautiful churches in Belgium. The wooden pulpit made in 1697 is one of the highlights of the church. The central nave has beautiful natural light streaming from eleven stained-glass windows, each measuring 49 ft (15 meters) long. The numerous stained-glass windows encircling and lighting up the altar draw the attention of visitors.
Visitor Tips
The church is located in the upper town of Brussels and can be easily reached on foot from the Grand Place or by tram (lines 92 and 93). Visitors should note that the church may be closed during some parts of the day for religious services.
Hours and Fees
Hours
From Monday – Friday: 9 am – 6:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10 am – 7 pm
Admission
Free
