Sanctuary of the Old Good Lord

The old cross

Called the “Old God”, this cross dates from the late 9th or early 10th century, likely from the parish of Theux. Abandoned in the 18th century, it was relegated and later buried during the French Revolution. Christ wears a sleeved tunic with traces of polychromy. It is the oldest polychrome wooden Christ in Belgium, preserved in a dedicated chapel.

Origin of the sanctuary

The sanctuary’s history is tied to the del Marmol family, as noted on the plaque by the entrance. In the mid 19th century, a large wooden cross was found on Simon Pirard’s land and placed in his chapel. His descendants later built and enlarged a new chapel for growing pilgrimages. Baron del Marmol also built a small monastery nearby, first home to Benedictines, later to Premonstratensians.

Ex-voto

At the entrance, the ex-voto in the form of a platelet testifies to the belief in the powers of the Old God of Tancremont. 

Stained glass windows

The stained glass windows on the left tell the story of the arrival of the cross at Tancrémont. When they were drawn, it was thought that the cross came from the Holy Land. However, this belief has been undermined by the analysis of wood: Christ is carved in lime wood, a wood that did not grow there at the time. The stained glass windows on the right tell the story of the construction of the premises.  

Several venerated saints

In the chapel are also venerated: Our Lady of Sorrows, Saint Faithful of Sigmaringen and the Child Jesus.  

Organ

Download the plan of the remarkable elements