Scherpenheuvel-Zichem facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Scherpenheuvel-Zichem
Municipality
Scherpenheuvel basilica
Flag Coat of arms
Scherpenheuvel-Zichem Location in Belgium
Country	Belgium
Community	Flemish Community
Region	Flemish Region
Province	Flemish Brabant
Arrondissement	Leuven
Area
• Total	50.50 km2 (19.50 sq mi)
Population  (2018-01-01)Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1575: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
• Total	Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1,575: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
Postal codes	3270-3272
Area codes	013, 016
Website	www.scherpenheuvel-zichem.be

Scherpenheuvel-Zichem is a city and municipality in Flemish Brabant, Belgium. It includes several towns like Averbode, Messelbroek, Okselaar, Scherpenheuvel, Schoonderbuken, Keiberg, Kaggevinne, Testelt and Zichem. As of January 1, 2020, about 23,135 people lived here. The total area is 50.50 square kilometers. This means there are about 458 people per square kilometer.

A Special Holy Place

Scherpenheuvel, which means "Sharp Hill" in English, is a very important Catholic pilgrimage site in Belgium. It is about 50 kilometers east of Brussels. Its history goes back to the Middle Ages. People used to worship around a special oak tree on this hilltop. Later, a statue of the Holy Mary was placed on the cross-shaped tree. This helped to connect the old traditions with Christian beliefs.

The Story of the Statue

A legend says that around the year 1500, the Virgin Mary performed a miracle here. A shepherd boy tried to take the small statue home. But he was frozen in place, stopping the theft. From the 1550s, many devoted pilgrims came to the tree. They prayed for their sick loved ones to get better.

In 1580, the original statue disappeared. This happened when Dutch-Protestant groups attacked the area. Seven years later, a new statue replaced it. This new statue is still on the altar of the church today. The old oak tree was almost dead but still inspired worship. So, the Bishop of Antwerp ordered it to be cut down. A first wooden chapel was built on the site. Statues of the Holy Virgin were carved from the tree trunk. These were sent to other holy places.

The fame of Scherpenheuvel grew. More and more people came, asking for protection. They wanted protection from the plague and famine. These problems were common in the Low Countries during the "Eighty Years War". The small chapel soon became too crowded for everyone.

In January 1603, another miracle was reported. The statue was said to have wept tears of blood. People believed this showed Mary's sadness about the religious split in the Netherlands. In November 1603, the Spanish army won a big battle. They defeated Protestant troops near 's-Hertogenbosch. This victory was also believed to be thanks to the Holy Virgin.

Building the Basilica

Archduke Albert of Austria and his wife, Archduchess Isabella, were important leaders. They gave money to build a stone chapel in Scherpenheuvel. They even made a pilgrimage there themselves.

In 1604, the new chapel was opened. But a few months later, it was robbed by Northern troops. Luckily, the statue was saved by Jesuits. Two months later, the Protestants were forced out of Ostend. This was their last stronghold in the Southern Netherlands. Again, this victory was seen as a gift from the Holy Virgin. Because of its importance, Scherpenheuvel was given the special status of a city.

Also in 1604, Philips Numann wrote a book. He was a clerk for the archbishop of Mechelen. His book, Historie der Mirakelen (History of Miracles), described the legend of Scherpenheuvel. It also reported miracles recognized by the Catholic Church. His book was translated into French, Spanish, and English. This helped spread the fame of Scherpenheuvel across Western Europe.

In 1607, a famous architect named Wenceslas Cobergher was hired. He was asked to build a strong Catholic center. The whole city was planned to honor the Mother of God. It was like a special garden, symbolizing her purity. Seven paths lead towards the church. The church itself is shaped like a 7-pointed star. This shape represents God's great kindness. Inside the church, six prophets from the Old Testament announce Jesus' coming. Mary then gives birth to the Messiah.

In 1609, the first stone was laid for this unique church. It was built in a very detailed Baroque style. The church was finally opened in 1627. The streets and layout of the town were also designed to match this special shape. Scherpenheuvel is now a great example of the grand architecture from the Counter-Reformation in Belgium.

The church's dome has 298 golden stars. These stars represent the universe. The main altar is said to be exactly where the old oak tree once stood. Archduchess Isabella attended the opening ceremony. She walked there from nearby Diest. This started the tradition of walking pilgrimages. People still walk to Scherpenheuvel from far-off places like Maastricht. Isabella also placed her gold and jewelry before the altar. This custom continues today, with people throwing coins.

Traditions and Celebrations

The pilgrimage to Scherpenheuvel became very popular. A group of religious fathers called the Oratorianen helped with worship and managing the pilgrims. Their abbey was connected to the church by a "baroque gallery". They were forced to leave during the French occupation after the 1797 revolution. They did not return until the early 1800s.

In 1927, the church was given a special title. It was named a Roman Catholic "basilica minor".

Other traditions have continued for centuries at Scherpenheuvel. These include the Kaarskensprocessie (Procession of the candles) on November 2nd. There are also blessing-processions for people, pets, animals, and vehicles. The pilgrimage is also popular because of the lively fairground atmosphere. There are many stalls selling souvenirs, sweets, and special baked goods. You can also find hotels, bars, and restaurants of all kinds.

Images for kids

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  Pilgrims traveling to Scherpenheuvel, shown in a painting by Frans Van Leemputten (1903–05)

See also

In Spanish: Scherpenheuvel-Zichem para niños