Church of Our Lady of Leliendaal

Mechelen, Belgium

Our Lady of Leliendaal Church was originally owned by the Norbertine St. Michael's Abbey in Antwerp. The architect was Lucas Faydherbe, he came from Mechelen, was the nephew of Lucas Franchoys the Younger and studied with Peter Paul Rubens in Antwerp. In 1662, the foundation stone was laid. Construction was delayed on multiple occasions, because the façade tilted dangerously forward. Therefore, in 1664, the façade was demolished and rebuilt. In 1670, the first Mass was said and in 1674 it was solemnly inaugurated.

In the early 19th century, during the Napoleanic wars, the church was seriously neglected and half of it was turned into a hospice for the poor of the city. The furnishings were sold and holes were made in the gables for people to be able to see out and over the church to help defend it against attack. A wall was placed in the church between the second and third windows for the establishment of an infirmary.

In 1834, it re-opened under the administration of the Jesuits. Through the cooperation of the nearby Minor Seminary and the Civil Hospices, it was restored and equipped with new furniture and the internal walls were removed. In 1900-1901, the Jesuits changed the floor plan and moved the choir to the gallery in the west of the church. Later in the 20th-century, a sacristy was constructed in the south west part of the church. Also, a grotto to Our Lady of Lourdes was built and new furniture was purchased.

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Address

Bruul 56, Mechelen, Belgium
See all sites in Mechelen

Details

Founded: 1662
Category: Religious sites in Belgium

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Peter Van Renterghem (11 months ago)
Our Lady of Leliëndaal Church (Jesuit Church) belonged to the former monastery of the Nobertines of Leliëndaal in the 17th century and was designed by Lucas Faydherbe. In the former Nobertin Church, the visual language and ideology of the Jesuits play a leading role. The statue of Ignatius of Loyola in the main facade, the painting in the main altar, the Lourdes Grotto and the striking presence of Mary, are examples of those Jesuits - inspiration. Nevertheless, the overall Baroque character of the interior was well preserved. The church furniture was made after the French Revolution sold. That is why most of the current furnishings date from the 20th century.
Henri Cortebeeck (14 months ago)
Beautifully maintained church. Confessionals made of beautiful wood carvings. Beautiful altar and beautiful organ. Well worth a visit. Located in a pedestrian zone. Free admission. The nearest parking is "Grote Markt" (paying). Also some parking spaces within a 5-minute walk with parking meters.
Ertn (16 months ago)
A historical church, must be visited.
Anaïs d'Auray (Adauray) (2 years ago)
Pleasant atmosphere. A slightly severe but very studied baroque, intelligently combined quality materials.
Henri Cortebeeck (2 years ago)
Beautifully maintained church. Beautiful wood carving confessionals. Nice altar and nice organ. Well worth a visit. Located in a pedestrian zone. Free access. The nearest parking is "Grote Markt" (paying). Also only parking spaces at a 5min walk with parking meter.
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