Basilica of Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel

Few places capture the Baroque era more tellingly than the Basiliek van Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Scherpenheuvel. This impressive setting is completed by Theodoor van Loon's finest paintings. Church and art together represent the pinnacle of Marian worship. Definitely worth a visit.

Scherpenheuvel, along with the imposing domed Church of Our Lady, was erected in the early 17th century, at the time of the Counter-Reformation. The pilgrimage church for the miracle statue of Mary had to and would be seen. To complete the picture, the most expensive materials were used in the church, which is literally located at the heart of the town, with financial and moral support from the Archdukes Albrecht and Isabella. The church has been a basilica since 1922.

The seven paintings that adorn the pilgrimage church are Theodoor van Loon's best-known works. They are the only of his paintings that are still together in their original location. The monumental scenes depict the life of the Virgin Mary. The themes align with the seven feasts celebrated at the court of the Archdukes Albrecht and Isabella. Seven is an important number in the worship of Mary. It represents seven sad and seven happy moments in her life.