Sint-Gertrudisbasiliek

The Sint-Gertrudisbasiliek is the main church of Bergen op Zoom, a Gothic building that stands in the old town centre, and it is a landmark of the Brabant skyline. The church is dedicated to Saint Gertrude of Nivelles, a seventh-century abbess who is honoured in Brabant and the Low Countries as the patron saint of travellers and, in popular tradition, of cats and gardeners, which is a curiosity of Catholic folk piety. It has the title of basilica, an honour given by the pope to churches of special importance, and it remains a Catholic place of worship at the centre of the town.

The church was built in the late Middle Ages, when Bergen op Zoom was prosperous. The town's great fairs, held twice a year, drew merchants from across Europe, and the wealth they brought paid for fine public buildings. The Gothic style is visible in the pointed arches, the tall windows and the ribbed vaulting, and the large size of the church reflects the ambitions of the medieval townspeople. Like many churches in the region, it suffered damage in the wars that swept the area, from the sixteenth-century religious conflicts to the sieges of the eighteenth century and the Second World War, and parts of it have been rebuilt and restored over the years.

Inside, the atmosphere is calm and spacious. The nave and choir give a feel for the proportions of late Gothic church building, and the church contains altars, statues, stained glass and memorials. Opening hours are limited, and the church is usually open to visitors in the early afternoon, so it is worth checking in advance, and the visit usually takes about half an hour. It is a working church, so visitors should dress modestly and keep quiet during services.

The church is conveniently placed for exploring the town. The Markiezenhof, the old palace of the Marquises of Bergen op Zoom, is a short walk away and is now a museum, and the Oude Stadhuis, the old town hall, stands near the market square. The Bergen op Zoom city walls, the Kruittoren, De Hoofdtoren, De Nieuwe Kerk and Park de Doolhof are further sights that can be combined into a walking route. The town is also close to the Oosterschelde and the Zeeland islands, and to the Brabantse Wal, a wooded ridge with a distinctive landscape.

The church suits visitors interested in religious architecture and local history, and it makes a natural pause on a walk through the old town. Check opening times before you visit and consider the nearby museum to deepen the picture of the town's past.