O-L-VROUWEBASILIEK - BASILICA OF OUR LADY

This Gothic building stands on the site of an ancient Christian basilica dating from the ^4th century, which is said to have been the first church dedicated to the Virgin north of the Alps. A Romanesque church was built in its place in the ^12th century (of which the wonderful cloister remains), but was destroyed by fire in 1213. The construction of the present basilica began in 1240 and was not completed until three centuries later. A special grace seems to have been granted to the Basilica of Our Lady of Tongeren. The choir and central nave were completed in the ^13th century; the apse and side chapels date from the ^14th century, while the Gothic tower, begun in 1442, was not completed until 1509. The serious fire of 1677 required a thorough restoration of the church, which was only embellished. An incredible harmony emanates from it, as if the builders had found a golden ratio, a perfection of proportions that makes the building magical to the most profane eyes. The church, of a very pure Gothic style, is adjoined to a magnificent Romanesque cloister. In the side entrance, a moving Romanesque wooden Christ contemplates you. The statue of Our Lady of Tongeren "Cause of Our Joy" in walnut wood dates from 1479.

The treasure. It is one of the richest of the country. It contains religious sculptures and silverware dating back to the Merovingian period (^6th century) until the ^19th century. The visit is worthwhile for the oldest relics in particular.