Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe ter Eik, Religious shrine in Meerveldhoven, Netherlands.
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe ter Eik is a church in Veldhoven built around a centuries-old oak tree that houses a statue of the Virgin Mary. The building features neo-Gothic architecture and is filled with altars, candles, and devotional items left by pilgrims.
The site traces back to the 13th century when a statue of the Virgin Mary was discovered in an oak tree, leading to a chapel built in 1269. The structure was expanded and rebuilt over the centuries to accommodate growing numbers of pilgrims.
The site centers on devotion to the Virgin Mary, where visitors leave written prayers and offerings expressing their personal intentions. This folk practice has developed over centuries and continues to shape the religious life of the region.
The church is open for prayer and services, with level entries and seating areas throughout. Visitors should wear respectful clothing and check if photography is allowed in certain areas.
The original statue inside is made from clay pipe material, an unusual substance that reflects medieval craftsmanship. This rare composition makes the artwork particularly valuable to the history of sculpture in the region.
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