Mons - Collégiale Sainte-Waudru

The Collegiate Church of Sainte-Waudru below the castle hill was built in 1450 to plans by Mattheus de Layens. The building was several times interrupted, but in spite of this the church reveals a remarkable unity of style in Brabant Gothic. The oldest part is the choir of four bays (1450-1502); the transepts date from 1535-1537 and the three-aisled nave with its bays was built between 1529 and 1589. A tower was also planned which was to be 187m/614ft high, but building was suspended in 1689 and consequently the roof of the nave is not overpowered. Altogether there are 29 chapels around this fine church.