Church of Sterrebeek

The original St. Pancratius Church in Sterrebeek was built in Romanesque style. The old church consisted of a semicircular choir, a central tower, a nave with a main aisle, and two side aisles. The 12th-century tower in sandstone is the only remnant of this medieval structure. In 1829, a new church was erected on the same site, with a complete reversal in orientation. The old choir was demolished, and the new one was built against the southwest wall. The old tower was integrated as an entrance tower, which in turn was raised in 1869. The church received three aisles. The wood for the constructions was supplied by Prince William, the later King William II of the Netherlands. In 1898, the facade was renewed. The year before, a new sacristy had been added by architect Struyven.
The furnishings date from various periods. The main altar with tabernacle comes from the old Romanesque church and is dedicated to 'Our Lady of the Rosary.' The side altars from the 17th century are dedicated to Our Lady of Schapuller and St. Pancratius. By the way, there is a statue of St. Pancratius from 1862 on this altar. St. Pancratius was invoked as a protector against various childhood diseases. Sterrebeek was an important pilgrimage site in earlier centuries.
The confessionals and the baptismal font are from the 19th century. The choir with balustrade and organ loft dates from the 18th century. The organ of the old church was sold. In 1906, the organ was renewed and in 1930 equipped with an electric blower. Particularly noteworthy are the 10 stained glass windows made by glazier E. Steyaert in 1920.
Furthermore, the church possesses several beautiful and famous embroidery works, namely 16th-century dalmatics and chasubles in Gothic style.
In the choir, there are two paintings, namely 'The Adoration of the Shepherds' from around 1600, a work by Vriendt or Coxie, painted on six pre-Rubensian panels, and 'The Crucified Christ,' a painting from the 18th century by P.J. Verhaghen, the imperial court painter.
On the outside of the church are several gravestones, including the notable gravestone of the couple Van der Smissen against the left aisle, dated 1762.
Also outside, to the right of the choir, is the mourning chapel of the de Fierlant family (Baron Aloys de Fierlant was the mayor of Sterrebeek from 1871-'1883). This family had been residing at the Sterrebeek castle "ter Meeren" since 1746.
Opposite the church, you can pause at the tearoom and ice cream parlor Pierrette, located in an old village house.

BMW fietsroutes