Church of Sterrebeek

Did you know that the wood for the construction of the St. Pancratius Church was supplied by Prince William, the later King William II of the Netherlands? The original St. Pancratius Church in Sterrebeek was built in Romanesque style. The old church consisted of a semi-circular choir, a central tower, a nave with a central aisle, and two side aisles. The 12th-century sandstone tower is the only remnant of this medieval structure. In 1829, a new church was established on the same site, with a complete turnaround in orientation. The old choir was demolished, and the new one was built against the southwest facade. The old tower was integrated as a porch tower, which was raised in turn in 1869. The church now has 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, architect Struyven had added a new sacristy. The furnishings date from various periods. The main altar with a 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 to St. Pancratius. This altar also features a statue of St. Pancratius from 1862. St. Pancratius was invoked as a protector against various childhood diseases. Thus, Sterrebeek was an important pilgrimage site in earlier centuries. The confessionals and the baptismal font are from the 19th century. The loft with balustrade and organ buffet 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. Noteworthy about the church are also the 10 stained glass windows made by glazier E. Steyaert in 1920. Furthermore, the church possesses several beautiful and renowned embroidery works, namely 16th-century dalmatics and vestments 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. Against the outside of the church wall are several grave stones, including the remarkable gravestone of the couple Van der Smissen against the left side aisle, dated 1762. Also outside, right of the choir, is the mourning chapel of the de Fierlant family (Baron Aloys de Fierlant was mayor of Sterrebeek from 1871 to 1883). This family has occupied the Sterrebeek Castle "ter Meeren" since 1746. Opposite the church, you can take a break at tearoom and ice cream parlor Pierrette, located in an old village house.

Gemeente Zaventem