Chapel of Our Lady of Steenbergen

The chapel is the heritage gem of Oud-Heverlee. In the Steenbergbos a chapel was hung from an old oak tree by pious hands in the 16th century. Those who prayed to Our Lady in a special way were cured of 'hot fever' (swamp fever). The place became a place of pilgrimage. The clergy of Oud-Heverlee wanted regular and recognized worship and asked the diocese for permission to build a chapel. First, a wooden chapel was erected about which little is known. The local lord of Steenbergen, Hendrik van Dongelberghe, had a new, large chapel built in 1652 at his own expense. His weapon shows off above the door. The chapel served for mass celebrations for local residents and the numerous healings attracted people from far away. Therefore, an inn was built near the chapel that later served as a forester's house. This forest chapel with baroque façade is one of the largest chapels in Flanders. In 2006 it was thoroughly restored.

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