Basilica of Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel
The Basilica of Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel is reputedly the most frequently visited pilgrimage shrine in Belgium. Veneration centres on a miraculous oak-tree statue of the Virgin, around which a chapel grew in the late 16th century; the Archdukes Albert and Isabella championed the site during the Counter-Reformation, transforming it into a monumental sanctuary and laying out a planned pilgrimage town around it.
Designed by the archducal architect and engineer Wenceslas Cobergher, the church is the first in the former Spanish Netherlands built in the Roman Baroque style on a central plan crowned by a monumental dome. Begun in 1609 and consecrated in 1627, its seven-sided plan symbolises the seven sorrows and seven joys of Mary, and its dome is famously studded with hundreds of gilded seven-pointed stars that glitter against the sky.
Pope Pius XI raised the shrine to the rank of minor basilica in 1922. Each year, especially during the pilgrimage season from May to early November, hundreds of organised pilgrim groups arrive from across Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Today the sanctuary complex includes the basilica, the House of Mary and the sacristy, and remains a living centre of devotion, prayer and candle-lighting.
- Location
- 50.9803, 4.9783
- Local time
- 00:39 (Europe/Brussels)
🕘 Visiting hours
| Mon–Sat | 08:30–17:00 |
| Sun | 08:30–18:00 |
Plausible typical hours; the basilica is generally open daily for prayer with extended hours during the May-November pilgrimage season. Confirm via the official site.
✨ Saints & blessed venerated here
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Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel Saint
The basilica is dedicated to the Virgin Mary under this title, centred on a miraculous statue venerated since the 16th century.
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Virgin Mary (Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows) Saint
The seven-sided central plan symbolises Mary's seven sorrows and seven joys.
Care & donations
Parish and sanctuary of Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Scherpenheuvel (Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels)
Entry is free; the shrine relies on donations, candle offerings and Mass intentions, which can be arranged on site or online.
Official website →The candle wall
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