St Dymphna Church, Gothic church in Geel, Belgium

St Dymphna Church is a Gothic cruciform basilica in Geel, built of white sandstone with brown ironstone banding on its massive, unfinished main tower. A slender dark spire with an octagonal lantern rises behind the grey stone section, whose tall pointed windows and lower rounded turret face the street. Inside, the sober interior holds the 1515 Dymphna altarpiece by Jan van Wavere and a 1554 alabaster mausoleum by Cornelis Floris de Vriendt.

Construction of the present church began in 1349 in white sandstone. A fire in 1489 led to rebuilding and extension, especially of the massive tower with white sandstone and brown ironstone bands, which was never completed; work lasted until 1585. In 1532 Jan van Merode founded a college of ten vicars for the pilgrims, raised to a chapter in 1562. The church was confiscated and sold at the end of the 18th century, returned to Catholics in 1801, and became a parish church only in 1874.

The church is dedicated to Saint Dymphna, beheaded here according to legend on 30 May 600 by her own father; a wall inscription records the date. Pilgrims came seeking healing, especially for psychiatric patients, and in 1532 Jan van Merode founded a college of ten vicars to serve them and say Masses.

The church is accessible only during specific days and hours, particularly outside the summer season, so visitors should check current opening times in advance. Plan time to view the artworks inside without rushing and wear appropriate clothing for entering a place of worship.

The church treasury holds two small portraits known as De Merodekes, painted by Jan Mostaert in 1525; they are kept with the silver shrine of Saint Dymphna made by Willem Jacques of Antwerp in 1612, whose silver base was added by Wierik Somers III in 1716.