Mary Magdalene Chapel, chapel in Brussels, Belgium
Mary Magdalene Chapel is a small Gothic-style place of worship in Brussels with red brick walls from the 13th century and tall grey stone arches. Inside, it features simple wooden benches, high windows with modern stained glass from the 1950s, and an altar bathed in natural light.
The chapel was founded in the 13th century and was severely damaged in 1695 when French soldiers bombed the city. A bakers guild helped finance its repair, and in the 1950s the building narrowly escaped demolition through a major restoration that added a Baroque facade from the 17th century.
The chapel is dedicated to Mary Magdalene, an important figure in Christian tradition. It serves the Catholic community of Brussels as a place of worship and gathering, where visitors can connect with centuries of faith and local spiritual life.
The chapel is located in the city center on Rue de la Madeleine and is easily reached on foot, with distinctive Gothic arches visible from the street. It is open daily for visitors seeking a quiet moment of reflection or those wishing to attend Mass and other services.
During restoration work in the 1950s, archaeologists discovered walls of an older church beneath the chapel, possibly built by the Knights Templar. These archaeological finds suggest that a deeper layer of Brussels history lies hidden beneath the current structure.
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