Basilica of Our Lady
Our Lady Cause of Our Joy
No matter which direction you come from on your way to Tongeren, the majestic Onze-Lieve-Vrouwebasiliek always comes into view like a familiar landmark in the distance. And this has been the case for several centuries. It is a veritable treasure trove of works of art that have been there for centuries. A visit is a journey through time taking you along no less than seven churches in one go!
Basilica of Our Lady
Making your way to Tongeren, you can already admire her from afar: the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwebasiliek on the Grote Markt. It is one of the most beautiful Gothic religious buildings in Belgium. The construction of the current basilica took more than 300 years to complete. Although the imposing tower actually lacks a spire, it has provided its worth as a belfry. The bells literally sounded the alarm in the event of a fire. The tower was also an ideal lookout, served as a shelter for the population and as a repository for the city's archives. In 1931 this grand dame was allocated the papal title of basilica. Its imposing belfry is quite rightly included in the Unesco World Heritage List.
Statue of Our Lady Cause of Our Joy
The walnut statue of Our Lady with Child, Cause of Our Joy (1497) is of special significance to the collective memory. The coronation of the famous statue of Mary in Onze-Lieve-Vrouwebasiliek marked the start of the seven year Coronation Celebrations in 1890, a tradition that is kept alive to this day. The decorous artwork has largely retained its original rich polychrome. The sublime, gracious and engaging image and the meticulous finish of the statue demonstrate that the anonymous sculptor and upholsterer succeeded in delivering their commission to create a devotional and processional statue in a sophisticated, timeless manner.
Practical information
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