Treasury of Sainte-Waudru Mons
A magnificent Gothic church in Mons, housing Saint Waltrude's relics, stunning stained glass, and impressive artworks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Treasury of Sainte-Waudru Mons
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent Gothic church in Mons, housing Saint Waltrude's relics, stunning stained glass, and impressive artworks.
"An absolutely stunning building both inside and out, peaceful, calming, and so spiritual."
Download the Audio Guide
Enhance your visit with the free IziTravel audio guide for historical context and art commentary. :iphone:
Respectful Placement
Be mindful of the placement of religious symbols, like the toilet signs near the cross. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gothic Grandeur
Interior
Marvel at the soaring Gothic architecture, characterized by incredible height and solid stone construction.
Stained Glass Windows
Interior
Admire the multitude of stunning stained glass windows that bathe the interior in ethereal light.
Saint Waltrude's Relics
Chapel of Saint Waltrude
See the shrine and reliquary of Saint Waltrude, including her head and the reliquary containing her body.
Artistic Masterpieces
Various Chapels
Discover beautiful marble cursus, sculptures by Jacques du Broeucq, and paintings by Peter Paul Rubens.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Embrace the Digital Guide
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Download the Audio Guide
Enhance your visit with the free IziTravel audio guide for historical context and art commentary. :iphone:
Respectful Placement
Be mindful of the placement of religious symbols, like the toilet signs near the cross. :pray:
Admire the Marble Cursus
Don't miss the beautiful and intricate marble cursus displayed within the church. :sparkles:
Check for Renovations
Some sections may be under renovation, but the church's grandeur remains. :construction:
Tips
from all over the internet
Download the Audio Guide
Enhance your visit with the free IziTravel audio guide for historical context and art commentary. :iphone:
Respectful Placement
Be mindful of the placement of religious symbols, like the toilet signs near the cross. :pray:
Admire the Marble Cursus
Don't miss the beautiful and intricate marble cursus displayed within the church. :sparkles:
Check for Renovations
Some sections may be under renovation, but the church's grandeur remains. :construction:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Treasury of Sainte-Waudru for its stunning Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows, describing it as a peaceful and spiritual sanctuary. The art collection and the historical significance of Saint Waltrude's relics are also frequently highlighted as major draws. Some minor points of concern include ongoing renovations and the placement of certain amenities.
"A beautiful Gothic interior, with a multitude of stained glass windows, a real feature of Mons. The exterior is impressive too. Inside houses a large carriage used in the pageants like the ducasse of Mons."
Graham Short
"Oh my word! What an absolutely stunning building both inside and out! We visited in June 2023,while on our first holiday to Belgium, all the way from Scotland. Peaceful, calming, so,so,spiritual, when we entered. Only thing I'd say is,(me being religious)- (other people may not think its a big deal), the toilet signs,could be on a better place,other than right beside the c
Cross of Jesus Christ. That's only my opinion, anyway,we loved everything about the Chapel. Thanks, and 🙌 blessings."
Norma Murray
"Beautiful gothic church with a lot of art, espescially the marble cursus are beautiful, marvelous Windows with stained glass and a small but interesting treasure room."
Kees Weij
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Treasury of Sainte-Waudru is centrally located in Mons. It's easily accessible by public transport, with bus stops nearby. If driving, be aware that parking in the city center can be challenging, so consider using public parking garages.
While street parking might be limited, several public parking garages are available in the vicinity of the church, such as the Grand-Place parking.
Yes, the Treasury of Sainte-Waudru is a pleasant walk from the Mons train station, approximately 15-20 minutes. The route is well-signposted.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website or local listings before your visit. Generally, it's open during daylight hours on most days.
While the church itself is often free to enter, there might be a small fee for accessing the treasury or specific exhibits. It's advisable to confirm current pricing.
For general entry, advance booking is usually not required. However, for special tours or events, it's recommended to check for booking requirements.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but flash photography might be restricted to protect the artworks and stained glass. Always look for signage.
Accessibility can vary due to the historic nature of the building. Some areas might have limited access. It's recommended to contact the venue directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Saint Waltrude is the patron saint of Mons. The church is named in her honor and houses her shrine and reliquary, making it a significant pilgrimage site.
Key artworks include the marble cursus, sculptures by Jacques du Broeucq, paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, and the alabaster sculpture of Jesus handing keys to Peter.
Yes, the church houses a large carriage used in the pageants like the ducasse of Mons, a significant cultural event in the city.
While official guided tours might be limited, the free downloadable audio guide via IziTravel offers comprehensive information about the church's history and art.
The church is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture, characterized by its soaring height, straight lines, and solid stone construction.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Treasury is located in the heart of Mons, surrounded by numerous cafes, brasseries, and restaurants offering local Belgian cuisine.
Food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the sacred space of the Treasury to preserve its condition and sanctity.
📸 📸 Photography
The stained glass windows, the soaring nave, the marble cursus, and the intricate sculptures offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Flash photography is typically not allowed inside to protect the delicate artworks and stained glass from damage. Always check for signage.
A camera with good low-light performance and a wide-angle lens would be beneficial for capturing the vast interior and architectural details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the large carriage used in local pageants; it's often a hit with kids who enjoy seeing historical modes of transport. While the religious relics might be less engaging for younger ones, the overall atmosphere of a grand, ancient building can be quite captivating. Consider downloading the audio guide beforehand and highlighting the more visually interesting parts for your children to keep them entertained and informed.
🙏 Spiritual Seekers & History Buffs
History buffs will appreciate the artistic masterpieces, including works by Rubens and du Broeucq, as well as the historical context provided by the stained glass windows and the ducasse carriage. The free audio guide is an excellent resource for delving into the intricate history and symbolism of the church, making it an enriching experience for anyone interested in religious art, architecture, and local heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Gothic Marvel of Sainte-Waudru
Beyond its structural beauty, the church is renowned for its stunning stained glass windows. These vibrant panels not only illuminate the interior with a kaleidoscope of colors but also depict biblical stories and historical events, serving as a visual sermon for the congregation. The craftsmanship involved in creating these windows is a testament to the skill of medieval artisans. The interplay of light and color creates a truly spiritual and immersive experience for all who visit.
Ongoing renovations and retrofitting are part of the church's continuous preservation efforts. While some areas might be temporarily covered, these efforts ensure that this historical treasure can be appreciated by future generations. The dedication to maintaining such a significant landmark underscores its importance to the city of Mons and its cultural heritage.
Artistic Treasures and Saintly Relics
Central to the church's identity are the relics of Saint Waltrude, the patron saint of Mons. Her shrine and reliquary are objects of deep veneration. Visitors can see her head in a dedicated chapel and the reliquary containing her body displayed above the high altar. These relics are not only religious artifacts but also historical markers, connecting the present-day visitors to centuries of faith and tradition. The spiritual significance of these items draws many pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike.
For those seeking a deeper understanding, the free downloadable audio guide via the IziTravel app is invaluable. It provides detailed commentary on the various chapels, artworks, and the historical context of Saint Waltrude and her relics. This digital companion transforms a visual exploration into an educational journey, making the complex history and symbolism of the Treasury accessible to everyone.
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