St Waltrude's Collegiate Church

The construction of the Saint-Waltrude Collegiate church began in 1450 with the building of the choir and continued until 1621 with the nave. Its Latin cross-shaped architecture, which includes 29 chapels, makes this building an exceptional ensemble, classified as Heritage of Wallonia. This church was owned by the canonesses of Saint-Waltrude, who dreamed of crowning their collegiate church with an imposing 190-meter tower. Although the first stones of this tower were laid in 1549, the project was never completed, leaving behind a fascinating mystery. Not to be missed: The relics of Saint-Waltrude: one containing the body (the shrine), the other the head (the head relic). The works of Jacques du Brœucq (1505-1584), including statues and alabaster bas-reliefs visible in the choir and transept. The imperial stained glass windows: created in 1510/1511 by a Mons master glazier. The sculptures: notably the white stone statues of Saint Michael slaying the demon (15th century) and Sainte-Waudru (16th century). The Golden Coach: a painted and gilded wooden vehicle in Louis XVI style (1780/1781), used during the annual Trinity procession (Doudou). The Treasure of the Collegiate church. The collegiate church is open all year round from 9am to 6pm (9.30am to 6pm on Sundays). Access to the choir is not permitted during services.