Ossenmarkt

In the middle of the Ossenmarkt stands a pillar statue. “Pillar statues were placed in the 18th century on top of water wells where residents could pump drinking water. On the back of the pillar, we see the year 1716, when the first version of this statue was likely placed in the square."

"The image we see today is already the third version. This statue made of natural stone was created by artist Floris De Cuyper. It dates from 1947 and is rather atypical in that it depicts a very sweet mother, unlike the often more stoic representations from the 18th century.”

“Within the slates, there are currently about two hundred saint statues. The vast majority of these we follow up as a non-profit organization. Our goal is to preserve and make accessible this statue heritage. We have volunteers who check all the statues biannually. When restoration is needed, we engage in discussions with the owners and restorers.”

Hanna Van Thienen