Saint Mary's Church and the Chapel of the Counts

In 1199, Count Boudewijn IX begins the construction of the Church of Our Lady. From that early Gothic building, only the west façade, the nave, and the transept remain; the rest was added later.
In 1302, the Flemings hang five hundred golden spurs of fallen French knights in the choir as thanks for their victory on the Groeningeveld. Eighty years later, they are lost during looting by Breton mercenaries, but you can still view copies from a later date.
In the 17th century, the church receives its current rich Baroque interior. Among the treasures of art is the Crucifixion by Antoon Van Dyck. In the unique Grave Chapel, dating from 1370, you can find beautiful murals of the counts of Flanders and the statue of Saint Catherine, a true masterpiece.

Vl. Toeristisch bezienswaardigheden