A Historic Augustinian Abbey
The St. Gertrude’s Church (Sint-Geertruikerk) in Leuven was once part of an Augustinian abbey, with construction spanning the 14th to 16th centuries. The church is renowned for its tower with an openwork spire dating from 1453, one of Leuven’s legendary “Seven Wonders”, known as the “tower without nails.”
War Damage and Reconstruction
The abbey was closed in 1796 during the French occupation, and the buildings were repurposed. Like many Leuven landmarks, the church was seriously damaged in World War II. Reconstructions were carried out after the fire, restoring much of the church’s artistic and architectural heritage.
Remarkable Choir Stalls
The church’s choir stalls, filled with intricate wooden sculptures, are among Leuven’s most impressive works of art. Although heavily damaged during the war, they were painstakingly reconstructed with the help of wartime photographs taken by a German officer.
Visitors can now admire scenes depicting biblical history, church leaders, the life of Mary and Jesus, and the four gospel writers. The difference between the original, darker wood and the lighter reconstructed sections makes the craftsmanship all the more fascinating.
An 18th-Century Carillon
Inside the tower, visitors will also find an 18th-century carillon, further underlining the church’s rich musical and cultural heritage.
(Source: http://www.discoverleuven.com/churches.asp), photo by Aslı Tezcan
