Church of Our Lady of Leliendaal, Mechelen, church in Mechelen, Belgium
The Church of Our Lady of Leliendaal is a baroque church building in Mechelen with simple interior decoration that retains its original character. Large windows flood the space with light and reveal baroque details, while the absence of extensive furnishings creates an open, uncluttered feeling.
Designed by Lucas Faydherbe and founded in 1662, the church opened in 1674 but suffered neglect during the Napoleonic period when furnishings were sold and its spaces repurposed. The Jesuits took charge in 1834, undertaking major repairs and interior reorganization that continued into the 20th century.
The church has long served as a gathering place for the local community and remains an active center for prayer and worship today. Visitors can observe how people continue to use the space for religious practice, maintaining traditions that span centuries.
The church sits along the main route from the train station toward the town square, making it easy to include in a walking tour of Mechelen. The interior is open to visitors seeking a quiet place to rest or observe the architecture at your own pace.
The baroque facade had to be completely rebuilt just two years after its first completion due to structural problems that caused it to tilt forward. This early construction setback and rapid correction reveal an unexpected chapter in the building's story that most visitors overlook.
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