Collegiate Church of Saint Gertrude. Nivelles, Belgium

The Collegiate Church of Saint Gertrude dominates the Grand Place of Nivelles and stands as one of the largest and oldest Romanesque churches in Europe. Built on the site of a 7th-century abbey founded by Itta of Metz, widow of Pepin of Landen, the church is dedicated to their daughter, Saint Gertrude—great-great-aunt of Charlemagne and the abbey’s first abbess. Consecrated in 1046 in the presence of Bishop Wazo of Liège and Emperor Henry III, the monumental building reflects both Mosan art and Ottonian architecture.

Over the centuries, it endured fires, reconstructions, and heavy bombing in May 1940, but was carefully restored by the townspeople, who chose to preserve its sober Rhineland-Romanesque style. Measuring 100 meters long, 44 meters wide, and 20 meters high, the interior impresses with its twin choirs, wooden ceilings, austere stonework, and modern stained glass. Beneath lies the vast crypt—the largest in the region—along with an underground archaeological site revealing earlier churches dating back to the 7th century.

Outside, the south tower is crowned by “Jean de Nivelles,” a 2-meter copper warrior who has struck the hours for six centuries. Today, the collegiate church is not only a parish landmark but also a symbol of faith, resilience, and heritage in Walloon Brabant.