The Church of the Récollets (Nivelles)

The only single-nave church of a monastery of the mendicant orders that is still standing in our region, the Church of the Récollets, also called Saints John and Nicolas, will fascinate you with its history.

The Church of the Récollets is part of a remarkable architectural complex built starting in 1524 thanks to grants from Charles V and his aunt Margaret of Austria. According to her wish, the monks – who were established in Nivelles 20 years after the death of Saint Francis of Assisi (1226) – were associated with the branch of the 'Friars Minor Récollets', who lived in an austere and retired way.

After the disturbances and demolitions of the 1580s, the church was rebuilt and had a long period of prosperity and an incontestable spiritual influence until the end of the 18th century.

Since the departure of the last monks at the beginning of the 19th century, the building has been used in various ways: as a hospital, hospice, Royal secondary school and judicial facility. The process of listing the monastery buildings is underway.

The church, which is listed, was returned to the Church in 1960 and its restoration was completed in 1972. The play of colours of the blue and white stones highlights the great simplicity of the edifice typical of the Brabantine Late Gothic style. The soaring bays and powerful buttresses elegantly punctuate the single nave of this vast sanctuary. The only decorative feature is the Flamboyant Gothic style tracery that adorns the tops of the windows.

The interior space, profound and luminous, leaves an impression of sobriety and vertical momentum. The keystone of the chancel is adorned with an escutcheon with the arms of Charles V. A bay in the south side wall houses the reconstruction of the reliquary of Saint Marie d'Oignies.

The church is accessible to the public.
Guided visits possible for groups only, by reservation. This visit is part of a city visit and can be conducted in French, Dutch, German or English, as you choose.

Length of the visit: approximately 1hr 30 min.

"Discover the Church of the Récollets"