Whether it is for business or pleasure visiting Brussel’s Notre Dame Du Sablon is a must if you are travelling to Belgium. Make the trip! it’s not very far.
Dominating the Sablon Square in the centre of Brussels, this church was transformed from a chapel into a major gothic church.
It is dedicated to Our Lady of the Sablon, which in itself is a trip down a rich historical lane.
The Legend that led to Our Lady on the Little Stick
According to legend, it all started with the story of a young girl and her vision.
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.
However, it is more widely accepted that a devout woman had the vision to steal the statue which is called Onze-Lieve-Vrouw op ‘t Stocxken or Our Lady on the little stick.
The woman stole the statue, and through a series of miraculous events, she was able to transport it to Brussels by boat in 1348.
The chapel quickly became a place of pilgrimage and was gradually enlarged to accommodate the interest over the years.
Regardless of how you wish to view the history, its origin is only part of the magnificence at show and is well worth a visit.
Brussel’s Notre Dame Du Sablon
The Notre Dame Du Sablon is located in the upper town of Brussels, Notre Dame du Sablon is a remarkable 15th-century Late Gothic church and one of the most beautiful in Brussels.
This spectacular Gothic cathedral began life in the 14th Century when it was used as a chapel by the Archer’s Guild.
It was extensively expanded in the next century to the popularity and supposed healing powers of the Madonna statue located within.
The statue was allegedly stolen by a husband and wife team of thieves in a rowing boat. The location of the statue is unknown but the story is commemorated by a lifesize model inside the building.
When is Notre Dame du Sablon open?
The Notre Dame du Sablon is open during the day, but that doesn’t stop people from gathering in the evenings to see it in the night lights and take some stunning pictures.
- Mon – Fri 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sat – Sun 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Where is the Notre Dame du Sablon?
It is located in the centre of the city, in the Place du Grand Sablon. The church is located along the Rue de la Régence/Regentschapsstraat.
It makes for a good day out as it is located around several other interesting places that you can also visit.
Such as:
Magritte Museum (309 m)
Coudenberg, Former Palace of Brussels (377 m)
BELvue Museum (427 m)
Brussels is a lively city that’s always on the go. Explore its must-see places, museums, exhibitions and quirky corners.
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Pro Traveller tip
When you travel to a museum or a place of history, Do your research in advance and then whilst you are there take your pictures and add notes to Instagram. It will stay catalogued forever.