Saint Waltrude Collegiate Church

Saint Waltrude Collegiate Church is a Gothic building with an intricate layout featuring a central nave, side aisles, transept, and choir arranged in a Latin cross formation. Multiple side chapels line the perimeter, creating a complex interior space that extends the church's footprint in all directions.

Construction began in the middle of the 15th century under architect Matheus de Layens and stretched across more than a century. The extended building phases reflect the economic and political shifts that shaped Mons over time.

The church is named after Saint Waltrude, a local saint whose devotion shaped this place as a center of worship for the region. Visitors can sense how this sanctuary has remained a focal point for pilgrimage and prayer through the ages.

The church welcomes visitors during the day, though services and events may affect access at certain times. Dress modestly and move quietly through the space, as worship and prayer continue to take place here regularly.

A wooden coach decorated with Louis XVI style ornamentation from the late 1700s participates in a major annual local procession. This vehicle is a rare artifact that blends religious ceremony with festive celebration, drawing visitors who want to experience how the sacred and the joyful intertwine.

Location: Mons

Inception: 1450

Architects: Matheus de Layens

Architectural style: Gothic architecture

Website: https://waudru.be

GPS coordinates: 50.45333,3.94750

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:41