Basilica of Scherpenheuvel

The building is the oldest domed 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 on the initiative of the Archdukes Albert of Austria and Isabella who stayed just opposite the basilica in the still existing house "the Golden Fleece" during their visits to Scherpenheuvel. At the dedication, Isabella offered jewels on the altar steps. She wanted to show that earthly goods are not the most important. Architect Wenceslas Coeberger built the basilica in the form of a six-window, a symbol of the seven joys and seven sorrows of Mary. The painting above the main altar is by Theodoor Van Loon.

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

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