Saint Waltrude Collegiate Church

Saint Waltrude Collegiate Church (French: Collégiale Sainte-Waudru) is a Roman Catholic parish church in Mons, Belgium, named in honour of Saint Waltrude. The church is a notable example of Gothic architecture, and is protected by the heritage register of Wallonia.

History

The history of the church dates back to 1450, when construction of the east end began. It was built for a female religious community as a collegiate church. Ist chapter of canonesses remained in existence until the revolutionary period at the end of the 18th century. The canonesses were typically members of aristocratic houses. Originally it was possible to admit the daughters of chevaliers. The statutes, as approved by the Empress, were made stricter in the 18th century as regards the requirement for the canonesses to prove their noble status.

Afterwards the building became a parish church.

Architecture

The exterior of the church is a fine example of Brabantine Gothic architecture, parts are built by Matheus de Layens. However, in the 17th century the works stopped and the building was never completely finished.

Interior

The interior contains important artworks, including sculptures by Jacques du Broeucq and paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, Floris de Vriendt, Theodoor van Thulden, Otto Venius and Michiel Coxie.

Inside the church important graves can be found amongst them Antoine de Carondelet and Alice of Namur

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