Religious site

Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk

Basilica of Our Lady of HanswijkTrougnouf (Benoit Brummer) · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0
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The Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk is a striking Baroque church located in the Hanswijk district of Mechelen. Its most treasured possession is a small statue of the Virgin Mary, dating from the 13th century, which has been venerated for centuries and is credited with miraculous powers. The church's exterior is relatively modest, but stepping inside reveals a lavish Baroque interior with marble columns, gilded woodwork, and a magnificent pulpit. The statue itself is enshrined in a silver-and-gold altar, drawing pilgrims and visitors alike. The basilica also features a crypt and a small museum displaying religious artifacts. A visit here offers a quiet, spiritual experience away from the city's busier tourist spots, and the surrounding neighborhood is pleasant for a stroll.

Don't miss

  • The miraculous 13th-century statue of the Virgin Mary in its silver altar
  • The ornate Baroque pulpit carved with biblical scenes
  • The crypt with historical artifacts and a small museum
  • The impressive marble high altar and side chapels
  • The peaceful garden and courtyard adjacent to the church

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk

You can visit Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk on your own. A guide is worth it for the history and detail that is easy to walk past, and a tour can combine it with nearby sights.

Getting there

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