Convent Van Maerlant, Gothic Revival church building in European Quarter, Belgium
The Van Maerlant Convent is a red brick structure with neoclassical details such as Doric columns and decorative friezes running across its facade. Today it houses the European Commission Central Library, functioning as a research and documentation center within the European Quarter.
The building was first constructed in 1435 under papal authority and later became home to the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Around the 1850s, these sisters undertook major renovations that transformed the structure's appearance.
The stained glass windows display biblical scenes funded by Austrian regions, creating a moment of reflection for visitors walking through the space. They bring color and meaning to the interior, shaped by the convent's religious purpose.
The building now serves as the European Commission Central Library and is open to visitors seeking research materials and resources. Located in the European Quarter, it is accessible to the public, though visiting hours and access policies should be confirmed beforehand.
This building is one of the few structures from before World War II that survived in this modern administrative quarter. Its presence among contemporary European institutions reveals how dramatically the area transformed over the decades.
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