Wednesday 18 January 2012

The dome with the stars on the Basilica of Scherpenheuvel

The Basilica of Scherpenheuvel in Belgium has a special dome because it is covered with golden stars. It is an old church dating from the 17th century. This small church is the most famous pilgrim place in Belgium. People come here to pray and honour Our Lady. Why at this place? In the woods surrounding this area, many centuries ago, a Maria image hanging in a tree was worshiped by the local community. A man, who tried to steal it, was completely paralysed and could only move again when someone else returned the Maria image back in the tree. This was a miracle. More and more pilgrims come to this church which was awarded the Golden Rose by Pope Benedictus XVI. It is an amazing piece of art as recognition for a unique Basilica in Scherpenheuvel.

De Basiliek van Scherpenheuvel in België heeft een speciale koepel die volledig bedekt is met gouden sterren. Het is een redelijk oude kerk, daterende uit de 17de eeuw. Scherpenheuvel is het meest beroemde bedevaartsoord in België. Mensen komen hier om te bidden voor Onze Lieve Vrouw. Waarom hier? In de bossen in dit gebied hing eeuwen geleden een Maria beeldje, de lokale bevolking kwam het aanbidden. Tot op een dag een man het wou stelen, hij kon zich niet meer verder bewegen en was verlamd. Toen men het beeldje terug plaatste in de boom werd hij weer normaal. Dit was een mirakel. Meer en meer pelgrims bezoeken deze plaats en de Basiliek kreeg de Gouden Roos van Paus Benedictus de 16de. Het is een ongelooflijk kunstwerk als erkenning voor een unieke Basiliek in Scherpenheuvel..

Basiliek Scherpenheuvel
Basiliek Scherpenheuvel
Basiliek Scherpenheuvel
Basiliek Scherpenheuvel
Basiliek Scherpenheuvel
Basiliek Scherpenheuvel
Basiliek Scherpenheuvel
Basiliek Scherpenheuvel
Basiliek Scherpenheuvel
Basiliek Scherpenheuvel
Basiliek Scherpenheuvel
Previous Church article: The Saint Jans church in Tongeren with its new tower

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23 comments:

  1. The fine photo of the Saint is so white it looks like icing sugar!

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  2. Such impressive architecture - I love the stars. (I see you were allowed inside!) The stained glass is lovely.

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  3. How nice that you were allowed to take photos inside the Basilica...so often you aren't. Gorgeous.

    Kathy

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  4. So eine prächtige Basilika...Die Details sind wunderschön, besonders gut gefällt mir das bunte Fenster und die Sternenkuppel...eine sehr schöne Fotoserie...
    Liebe Grüße, Karin

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  5. really unique church+ interesting story behind...thanks for it!

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  6. Wow, this is quite amazing! I love all the stars, also the beautiful stained glass.

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  7. What beautiful architecture and what an interesting story to go with it! I have loved visiting churches in France and Italy where i have spent most of my time while in Europe. Very lovely photos!

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  8. What a pretty church! I love those stars on the outside of the building. They make a really nice effect. I'd love to visit this place in person someday. :)

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  9. What a grand church!! Absolutely breath taking.

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  10. Wat een geweldig mooie kerk!
    Ik ben dol op dit soort bouwwerken, al die deteils echt super!
    Groetjes Cristien.

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  11. Beautiful. People are very clever at times, architect's & builders etc.
    In Australia where ever I travel, if I have time I always take a photo of a Church, but of course our Churches' are not as old as most others in the world.
    Thanks for sharing your photos along with comment.

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  12. A nice story from Maria and a imposing church.

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  13. Hoi Filip & Kristel,
    Wat een fantastische basiliek. Prachtig gefotografeerd.
    Vooral die beelden zoals bij foto 3 en 4 vind ik heel erg mooi.

    Groetjes, Marco

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  14. Hi Filip
    Thanks for sharing these very special pictures of this Basilica!
    Very nice pictures! Love the series!
    Have a nice weekend..
    Yvonne & Raphael

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  15. Oh these are just amazing, lucky you!

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  16. wow! really beautiful and ornate!

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  17. It is a beautiful Basilica. What is the difference between a church and a basilica?

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  18. Beautifull ! It's has been clever to put the gold stars on the top.
    Thanks for sharing this story and fotos.
    regards
    orvokk

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  19. What a lovely Basilica! I love all those stars on the roof.
    Have a lovely weekend. Greetings from Australia.

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  20. It has a beautiful interior and exterior. I have not seen one with stars protruding from the dome. The stained glass windows are always my favorite.

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