Open Churches Days at
Saint Gertrude

Kasteelstraat 40
1750 Gaasbeek (Lennik)

Chapel | 17e eeuw | | Catholic Church

Guided tour

7 June 2026 : 10.00 - 12.00 and 14.00 - 16.00

Come and discover the beautiful St Gertrude’s Chapel in Gaasbeek Castle Park during a guided walk.
Booking required: - vrije.tijd@lennik.be - reception at the town hall. Start times: 10am and 2pm. Duration: 2 hours, including a drink. Limited places available!

Price

Free

Contact

Dienst vrije tijd - cultuur
02 531 02 09
vrije.tijd@lennik.be

Organizers:

Gemeente Lennik

More about this church

Description

St Gertrude’s Chapel was built by René de Renesse de Warfusée, who acquired the estate in 1615 and had grand plans for a Baroque park. Despite the turmoil of the Eighty Years’ War, he lived in great luxury as chairman of the Council of Finance. He had imaginative pavilions erected amongst the ponds, richly decorated rooms, three of which have been preserved: the Baroque pavilion, the museum garden and this chapel from around 1625, which is now being opened to visitors for the first time.

In the eighteenth century, the chapel was extended with two side wings featuring staircases, providing additional space and balconies. These enable new uses, including musical performances. The inauguration by Vox Luminis immediately set the tone.

The chapel, once almost a ruin, has been fully restored, both inside and out. The brick building has been given a breathable coat of white paint that restores the original Baroque contrast between natural stone and flat façades. Thanks to underfloor heating, the indoor climate is now more stable.

In the left-hand side chapel stands a small recumbent statue in Carrara marble, which for years had been exposed to rain and wind on the front façade. Following a thorough restoration, it has finally been given a sheltered place inside.