Brussels: the flamboyant stained glass windows of the Notre-Dame du Sablon church
Bordering the chic Sablon district, in Brussels, this Gothic church features beautiful stained glass windows, to be admired by the faithful, as well as tourists, more and more numerous.
All those living in Brussels know this treasure from the Gothic era. And if the heart, the nave, the transept, the pulpit, the furniture, the baroque chapels and the monumental organ of the Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon church, which is its complete name, are part of the national ecclesiastical patrimony, there is something else that deserves careful attention. It concerns the stainglass windows, covered with coats of arms.
Discovering the stained glass windows of the Brussels churches
In this religious patchwork, but nonetheless artistic, you can decipher proud coats of arms and leading families, 160 « Heroes of World War I » stemming from the nobility of the kingdom and the high local bourgeoisie, without forgetting those belonging to the doners who actively participated in financing the implementation works, or helped to restore the edifice.
On these perfectly restored panels, all the saints of the church recall an religious episode. © DR
When the sun shines on certain stainglass windows, they take on a honey overtone that makes each coat of arms stand out. © DR
A gallery of royal portraits
The list of dignitaries is impressive. Next to the Virgin, figure King Albert Ist, Queen Elisabeth, Archdukes Albert and Isabelle, protectors of the church during their reign, Duke Prosper of Arenberg, Duchess of Lobkowitz, as well as the Prince of Arenberg and his spouse, Countess of Mérode. Bring your binoculars to make out the « Who's Who » of this social register…
On this rosace, the symetrical decorations sign the perfect work executed by the artisans. © DR
An arty and royal stroll of Notre-Dame du Sablon
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