Basilique Saint-Materne

 
One notices this majestic building from afar with its astonishing bell-tower topped by a bulbous spire. The oldest part of the church is 12th century Romanesque while the rest of the building is gothic. This church is protected as "exceptional Walloon heritage."
The church is named after Sainte-Materne but the cult of Our Lady is well developed due to the presence of one of the oldest statues in the country of Mary, dating from the 10th century. The impressive rood-screen, the 40 oak stalls and a panel depicting the “garden miracle” are worth seeing. The latter is a supernatural transfer of the Virgin’s statue from the church to a tree outside during a fire in the building in the 13th century.
From this miracle originates the Grand Tour, a 7 hour procession which takes place on the Wednesday after Whitsun. Another important date is on Trinity Sunday when the Grand Tour is accompanied by military marches.

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| | Pubblica | Francese • Olandese • Tedesco