Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van 't Boompje, church in Belgium
Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van 't Boompje is a small chapel in northern Bruges located on quiet grounds between a railway line and canal. The simple brick building with a vaulted roof houses a modest interior with a decorated altar, stained glass windows, and a marble floor with a star pattern maintained by local families.
According to local legend, sailors discovered a statue of Mary in the branches of a linden tree, leading to the first chapel being built in the 17th century. The building was enlarged in the 18th century and received its current form, followed by restoration in the 19th century to stabilize the structure.
This chapel is a place of Marian devotion that has been visited by believers for centuries. The veneration grew from a local legend about a statue of Mary found under a linden tree and remains an important part of religious life in this area.
The chapel is located on a quiet road and is easily reached on foot or by bicycle, ideal for a visit during a walk through the surrounding countryside. The leafy surroundings with old trees mean that visiting in daylight is best and sturdy footwear is recommended, as the paths are not always level.
The building noticeably leans to one side because its foundations have settled over time, giving the structure an unusual tilt. Despite this slant, the chapel remains stable and has carried this physical distinctive quality for generations, often noticed by visitors.
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