Église Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon is a Catholic church on Rue des Sablons, in Brussels’ historic Sablon district. Its Brabantine Gothic architecture gives the interior a sense of height, while tall stained-glass windows cast colored light across the pale stone. Take time to look at the carved wooden pulpit, the patterned ceiling and the ornate chapels. The church is an active place of worship, so a visit can be quiet and reflective. Afterward, the nearby Grand Sablon has antique shops and chocolate makers to explore.
A chapel that drew pilgrims
The church began as a chapel associated with the archers’ guild in 1304. In the 14th century, a statue of the Virgin Mary became linked to a local pilgrimage. A tradition tells that the statue was brought from Antwerp in 1348 by a couple travelling by boat. The story is commemorated by a boat behind the pulpit.
As the number of pilgrims grew, the chapel was enlarged. The church that followed took shape during the 15th and 16th centuries, and the Sablon’s religious life continued to draw prominent families. The building remains a place of worship today.
Gothic architecture and colored glass
The church’s exterior and interior are associated with Brabantine Gothic design. Inside, the high windows and soaring arches draw the eye upward. The stained glass stands out against the more subdued stonework; the windows are especially striking when daylight filters through them.
Look beyond the windows to the patterned ceiling and carved details. The wooden pulpit is a focal point, with the boat linked to the statue’s story set behind it. Taking time to look around reveals details that are easy to miss on a quick walk through.
Chapels and memorials
Two ornate Baroque chapels add a different style to the Gothic church. One is associated with the Thurn and Taxis family; the chapels and other works of art reflect the involvement of Brussels’ wealthy families and nobility in the church.
A wall displays the coats of arms of members of Belgian aristocratic families who died in the First World War. The church’s artworks, chapels and memorials give the interior several distinct areas to pause at. As it remains an active church, keep your voice low and leave space for worshippers.
FAQ
Is entry to Notre-Dame du Sablon free?
Yes. Entry is free, and donations are accepted.
What should I look for inside the church?
See the stained-glass windows, carved wooden pulpit, patterned ceiling and Baroque chapels. A boat behind the pulpit recalls the local story of the Virgin Mary statue.
Where is Notre-Dame du Sablon?
The church is on Rue des Sablons in Brussels’ Sablon district, near Grand Sablon.
Is the church open every day?
Yes, it is open daily. It remains an active place of worship, so be considerate if services or prayer are taking place.
