Basilica of Our Lady, Tongeren, Belgium

The Gothic tower of the Basilica of Our Lady dominates over the town of Tongeren and the surrounding area. It was built in Gothic style in the 13th century and recent excavations have produced some of the richest archaeological finds in Flanders. Archaeological excavations have proven the presence of an edifice here starting from the 4th century, while a Carolingian prayer house existed here in the 9th century. The building of the choir of the present basilica began in 1240. Nave, transepts and side chapels were added between the 13th and 15th century. The original Romanesque tower was replaced by the present, 64 m-tall Gothic tower from 1442 until 1541. The basilica's interior is home to the statue of Our Lady of Tongeren, erected in 1475. The treasury is housed in the former hall of the Chapter and comprises one of the richest collections of religious art in Belgium.

The interior is full of art treasures, of which the most famous one is without a doubt the walnut statue of Our Lady of Tongeren Cause of Our Joy, which dates from approximately 1479. The Romanesque cloister of the 12th century can be considered as a rare evidence of the Romanesque architecture in Belgium.

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User Reviews

Aniet van Gool (2 years ago)
Prachtige kathedraal. Inrichting is minder mooi.

Stefaan Meekers (2 years ago)
Je kan Tongeren niet bezoeken zonder hier even te zijn langs geweest.

Mario Dewildeman (2 years ago)
Moet je bezoeken!!!

loius larondelle (3 years ago)
Hele mooie kerststal en dorp enz....

Nico de Boer (3 years ago)
Imposant gebouw. Staat eigenlijk een beetje in de verdrukking. Het museum en de baseliek passen niet helemaal bij elkaar wat uitstraling betreft. Binnen is het een statig gebouw waar de tijd lijkt te hebben stilgestaan. Mooi, om stil van te worden!

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