In the Middle of the 12th century, this church of the former Saint Gerturde’s Abbey was nothing more than a simple but impressive prayer room. The church was built between the 13th and 15th century. In the church you can find remarkable late Gothic choir stalls. The open spire known as the ‘tower’ without securing pins’ is one of the seven wonders of Leuven because it’s entirely made of stone.*
Unfortunately the church was closed on the day we visited this area of Leuven and we didn’t have chance to revisit when it was open. A sign on the side of the church tells us more about Saint Gertrude’s Abbey.
Augustine Abbey, limited to twelve regular canons of noble descent. The church, which was also a parish church, was built from the 14th to the 16th century.
Remarkable tower with openwork stone spire by architect Jan Van Ruysbroeck (1453). Houses an 18th century Van den Gheyn carrilion.
The Abbey was closed in 1796. The buildings were divided into parcels and were subsequently used as industrial estates.
In 1919 it became a Benedictine abbey. The buildings were repaired and completed with amongst others the Thiery wing, a highly imaginative reconstruction of facades of the city that had been destroyed by fire during WWI. The church and abbey were seriously damaged in WWII. Today it is a mixed destination: administration and housing.
*Information from Church & Co leaflet
Some fine ironwork at St. Gertrude’s, Cherie
The gateway is quite impressive. It is also difficult to photograph and get the Abbey in too.
What is it about abbeys, Cherry! I’m working (as we speak) on the one at Malmesbury from when we were in England recently. FABULOUS.
Malmesbury Abbey and town are very interesting. There is a link in my sidebar to when we spent a holiday there
All clear windows no fanciful stained glass?
I expect that was down to cost at the time of rebuilding. It is a shame I didn’t get to see the church from the inside.
As always, great pictures, Cherie. I have a passion for old churches. You have captured their architecture beautifully.
Thank you
It was a shame that we didn’t get chance to go inside.