Basilica of Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel

The building is the oldest dome church in the Low Countries and was consecrated in 1627 by the Archbishop of Mechelen, Jacobus Boonen. The church was elevated to basilica status in 1922 and has been a protected monument since 1952. It was built at the initiative of the Archdukes Albrecht of Austria and Isabella, who stayed in the still-existing house "the Golden Fleece" directly opposite the basilica during their visits to Scherpenheuvel. At the consecration, Isabella offered jewels on the altar steps. With this, she wanted to demonstrate that earthly goods are not the most important. Architect Wenceslas Coeberger built the basilica in the shape of a seven-star, a symbol for the seven joys and seven sorrows of Mary. The painting above the main altar is by Theodoor Van Loon.

The dome has no openings for light and is sealed with lead. It is decorated with 298 seven-pointed gilded stars. The side chapels are built of white stone from the nearby Langdorp. The square tower, with a carillon of 49 bells, is constructed from sandstone. The lantern (top floor) could only be built after a donation from Philip IV of Spain. The tower features a staircase on the inside. It was restored in 1859 from damage caused by the throwing down of the smashed bells by French revolutionaries.

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