Church of Our Lady of Messines

The Church of Our Lady of Messines was originally known as the Church of St. Nicholas in Bertaimont. Initially dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of merchants, it later took the name of Our Lady of Messines due to the growing devotion to the Virgin Mary starting in the early 17th century. The true history of the church begins with the placement of a painting of the Holy Virgin in the cemetery surrounding the building. This site quickly became an important pilgrimage destination, attracting believers after miracles were attributed to it. In 1622, the painting was moved to be placed on the main altar. However, the history of the church and the parish of Our Lady of Messines dates back to the 12th century, when a chapel dedicated to St. Nicholas was founded on what is now the rue du Trieu. In the 13th century, the parish of St. Nicholas in Bertaimont was first established outside the city walls and later within them. The current church, the former church of the Recollects, is located on the rue de Bertaimont. Every year, the Messines Ducasse is celebrated on the Sunday closest to March 25th. Originally a pilgrimage festival, it is now one of the most popular patronal feasts in the city. Today, this floral event lasts a whole week, attracting many visitors.