Sanctuary Oud Lady of the Sarte

The history of the sanctuary began with a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which had existed since at least 1501. It housed a wooden statue of the Virgin and Child, dated between 1450 and 1475. Around 1595, the town suffered devastation due to a Dutch occupation, which led to the deterioration of the chapel and the statue. In 1621, a woman from Huy attempted to transport the statue in her bundle of wood, but it became impossible to move. This event, considered a miracle, is documented in the archives of Huy.

In 1624, a new church was built to accommodate the many pilgrims. In 1663, the first seven-yearly procession was instituted, and these celebrations continue to be held every seven years.

The church, built between 1624 and 1628, was enlarged in the 19th century by the Dominicans, who added side chapels, a monastic choir and the large jubilee tower. The ceiling of the church, painted by Adolphe Tassin between 1890 and 1891, illustrates the Mysteries of the Rosary. The church also houses numerous stained glass windows, sculptures and religious objects, some of which date back to the 17th century.

Among the notable figures associated with the sanctuary, Father Dominique Pire, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1958, is buried in the Sarte cemetery.

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