Basilique Notre-Dame de Chèvremont

The Basilique Notre-Dame de Chèvremont is a church built in the Gothic Revival style that rises from a hilltop overlooking the Vesdre River valley. It features a distinctive pentagonal chapel arrangement and contains seven small prayer rooms dedicated to the seven sorrows of Mary.

Construction began in 1877 under Dutch architect Cuypers and contractor Victor Ernotte, with completion reached in 1899. Damage sustained during World War II was later repaired, allowing the site to continue serving its community.

The basilica draws visitors who seek blessing for athletic pursuits, a tradition that took root in the 1950s when it became known as a spiritual supporter of Walloon sportspeople. You can still see sports medals and trophies left as offerings throughout the interior.

This site is accessible year-round and sits near Liege, making it easy to combine with other regional visits. The hilltop location means visitors should be prepared for a climb, but the elevated setting provides good views of the surrounding valley.

In the 1950s, special postal stamps were issued to raise funds for post-war restoration, showing how the community rallied together to rebuild. These stamps remain treasured by collectors today and tell the story of local recovery efforts.