tour de sainte gertrude

• Skip to content
• Skip to main navigation
• Skip to 1st column
• Skip to 2nd column
• Visites guidées
• Manifestations
• Hébergements

Discover Nivelles

• Nous contacter
• Mentions légales
• Plan du site

Meet St. Gertrude, cat lady of the Catholic Church

About the author

René ostberg, you may also like.

The conversion of Bartolomé de las Casas

The dangerous myth woven into the American story

7 saints for gardeners

Add comment.

What’s trending

A reflection for the third Sunday of Easter

What is the preferential option for the poor?

Women have a right to inclusive liturgy

Chronological list of the Doctors of the Church

• Alertez-nous
• Newsletters
• Retour sur ma région
• Nécrologies
• Espace Débat
• Brabant Wallon

Nivelles: le Tour Sainte-Gertrude sous la pluie et dans la boue

Le 744e tour sainte-gertrude, qui s’est déroulé sous une pluie continue dimanche matin, a dû être adapté à deux endroits..

• Publié le 03-10-2021 à 17h50

L’an dernier, à cause de la situation sanitaire qui se dégradait à nouveau à l’arrivée de l’automne, les Aclots avaient été privés du Tour Sainte-Gertrude, ce que personne n’avait jamais connu: même durant les deux guerres mondiales, la châsse de sainte Gertrude était sortie pour faire le tour de la ville, comme le veut la tradition depuis plus de 700 ans. Vu l’engouement que suscite cette tradition séculaire, le 744e tour était dès lors attendu avec impatience, ce week-end à Nivelles. Mais il a fallu composer avec des cieux pas vraiment favorables…

Samedi soir déjà, la procession de Sainte-Marie d’Oignies, au cours de laquelle les reliques sont amenées de l’église des Récollets vers la collégiale, s’était déroulée sous la pluie. Pas de quoi décourager les hallebardiers qui assuraient symboliquement la garde des châsses entre les deux églises, mais l’eau n’a pas cessé de tomber durant toute la nuit, transformant les chemins de campagne et les champs en gigantesques mares de boue.

Dimanche, vers 7 h du matin, le traditionnel transfert de la garde de la châsse de sainte Gertrude aux autorités communales s'est également déroulé dans le vent et sous une pluie soutenue. «Que Dieu bénisse ce 744e tour avec l'eau du ciel» , a souhaité le doyen quelques minutes plus tard, devant la chapelle Sainte-Barbe, à la chaussée de Mons. Cela semblait inévitable et durant toute la matinée, les centaines de Nivellois qui ont tout de même marché derrière le char processionnel ont été littéralement rincés.

«Disons qu'il n'a plu qu'une fois!» , positivait à l'arrivée un membre du comité organisateur.

Si la pluie du matin n’a découragé ni les pèlerins, ni les amoureux du folklore, l’état des champs a tout de même forcé les organisateurs à adapter le parcours. Si les commentateurs du départ du Paris-Roubaix estimaient dimanche qu’il était tombé durant la nuit autant d’eau que pendant la moitié d’un mois d’octobre normal, on ne devait pas être loin du compte dans la campagne nivelloise…

Les six chevaux de trait attelés à 6 h 30 du matin devant la collégiale ont rendu bon devoir mais du côté de Grambais et de Grand-Peine, pour leur sécurité et celle des participants, les organisateurs ont choisi d’éviter des passages trop périlleux. D’après certains habitués, un tel déluge et des conditions si difficiles pour la procession du matin, ce n’était plus arrivé depuis au moins quarante ans.

Les habitués du Tour Sainte-Gertrude, du moins ceux qui ne partent pas trop loin devant dès le départ de la Grand-Place à 6 h 45 du matin, sont habitués à la scène. Arrivés à la hauteur d’une maison ancienne située à proximité du collège Sainte-Gertrude, les chevaux de trait s’arrêtent dans le noir, et les pompiers aclots montent sur le char processionnel. Ils ôtent alors les anges de bois qui garnissent le char du XV siècle, pour qu’ils ne s’abîment pas durant le parcours à travers la campagne.

Ces anges sont entreposés sur place, et replacés sur le char pour la rentrée solennelle, l’après-midi. Les anciens Nivellois connaissent d’ailleurs maison sous le nom de la «Maison des Anges».

«Quand mes parents ont acheté la maison, le notaire leur a précisé qu'il y avait une servitude morale, obligeant les occupants à respecter cette tradition , explique la propriétaire actuelle, Maryse Genet. Lorsque j'ai mis la maison en location, j'ai expliqué aux locataires qu'un jour par an, il faudrait qu'ils accueillent des anges! Venant de Bruxelles, ils n'avaient jamais entendu parler de cela mais ils sont enchantés que cette tradition locale soit respectée. On dit qu'au temps de sainte Gertrude, c'était la première ferme, dans laquelle l'abbesse laissait certaines de ses affaires, avant de se rendre dans les autres fermes situées en dehors de Nivelles.»

Si la tradition des anges est charmante, il en existe une autre peut-être un peu moins connue des Aclots, mais revêtant toute son importance dimanche après un tour placé sous le signe de la boue. Avant la rentrée solennelle, c'est aussi dans la petite impasse située le long de la Maison des Anges que le char est soigneusement nettoyé. «Je le fais depuis toujours» , glisse Maryse Genet, aidée d'une petite équipe dans laquelle se retrouve son fils.

Malgré son enfer sur les pavés, Laurenz Rex n’a rien perdu de son amour pour Roubaix : “Cette chute a allumé le feu pour que je revienne revanchard”

Double coup de coude et geste de colère envers l’arbitre : Cristiano Ronaldo exclu ce lundi avec Al-Nassr (vidéo)

"Je n’aimais pas, c’était trop acide" : l’insolite destin du brasseur japonais Leo Imai, qui produit chez nous le seul lambic au cerisier "sakura"

Les articles abonnés les + lus

Une jeune artiste d'Halanzy disparaît au Canada

Un quadragénaire roué de coups par son ex-compagne à Huy: "5 personnes qui passaient par là sont heureusement venues à mon secours"

Polémique à Chapelle-lez-Herlaimont où un logement à loyer d’équilibre a été octroyé au président du CPAS : “Je suis au bord de l’endettement”

Le voleur est retrouvé nu, endormi sur le canapé de la maison qu’il cambriolait, en Gaume

• Church routes
• 1 & 2 June 2024
• Add a church
• Add your event

Province / Region

Church name

Architecture

Special Features

Building type

Sainte-Gertrude

Grand-Place 1400 Nivelles

Collegiate Church | 1046 | Romanesque | Catholic Church

Opening hours

01 April - 31 October Mon 9.00 - 18.00 Tue 9.00 - 18.00 Wed 9.00 - 18.00 Thu 9.00 - 18.00 Fri 9.00 - 18.00 Sat 9.00 - 18.00 Sun 9.00 - 18.00

01 November - 31 March Mon 9.00 - 17.00 Tue 9.00 - 17.00 Wed 9.00 - 17.00 Thu 9.00 - 17.00 Fri 9.00 - 17.00 Sat 9.00 - 17.00 Sun 9.00 - 17.00

Guided tour

Daily at 2.30 pm [email protected]  +32 67 84 08 64 www.tourisme-nivelles.be

Religious offices

www.collegiale.be

Description

The collegiate church of Saint Gertrude of Nivelles is a “monument” which is out of the ordinary. It is quite rightly considered as “ an exceptional heritage site ” and on many counts.

In fact it is one of the oldest and one of the largest Romanesque churches in Europe. The church is already very impressive to look at on the outside, above all when standing before its high, wide western façade on five levels. Consecrated in 1046, the church has suffered many mishaps in the course of the centuries, was severely damaged in May 1940 but was restored in a very plain Rhineland-Romanesque style further… to a referendum of the inhabitants!

The interior, composed of two choirs opposite each other, is also spectacular: 100 metres long, 44 metres wide, 20 metres high.

The restoration campaign itself restored a remarkable sobriety: wooden ceilings, exposed stone, modern stained glass windows , decoration limited to a few pieces of antique furniture, in particular two cathedra of truth and the chariot intended to carry the shrine of Saint Gertrude.

Other things that must be seen include the enormous crypt , the archaeological site below ground and the close that was completely restored in the 19th century.

KIKIRPA : Photo-library online

Remarkable elements

The pulpit is the work of a great artist of the Austrian court, Laurent Delvaux, who died in Nivelles in 1778. At its base is a carved group (which heralds neo-classicism) representing Jesus at Jacob's well, asking for water from the Samaritan woman. The baroque pulpit is decorated with three marble medallions. They represent 3 parables of the Gospel.

Processional float (1450)

Every year since the 13th century, the shrine of Saint Gertrude is taken on a 15-kilometre procession all around the city. The precious relics make their grand "Tour" on this processional float - several elements of which date back to before 1450 - which is pulled by six draught horses (the first Sunday after September 29).

Shrine of Saint Gertrude

The former shrine of Saint Gertrude was a masterpiece of medieval silversmithing. This miniature cathedral of gold and silver was unfortunately destroyed by a bombardment in May 1940. The remains of this treasure, including the magnificent statuette of Saint Gertrude, are listed as part of the Walloon Region's exceptional movable heritage.

Jean de Nivelles

The peculiar golden brass soldier, dressed in Spanish-style clothes, which is hung on the south tower of the church's front, is a 350-kg automaton that rings every quarter of an hour. This "jacquemart" was given to the city by the Duke of Burgundy Charles the Bold in the 15th century . It was given the nickname of Jean de Nivelles, a famous figure in local folklore.

Saint Paul, before he became an apostle evangelizer, was a great persecutor of Christians. His dramatic conversion, on the way to Damascus, inspired the sculptor Laurent Delvaux in 1735. This baroque work features the blinding appearance of Christ who made him fall off his horse (a group classified as exceptional movable heritage).

The northern arm of the eastern transept of the collegiate church was reserved for the canonesses. In these stalls, they celebrated services since 1566, until the end of the 18th century. These sculpted benches, a remarkable Renaissance ensemble, display a Greco-Roman-inspired decor enriched with many fanciful, coquettish or satirical figures.

Sainte Gertrude / Dames de choeur - campagne 2021

Le saviez-vous ? Gertrude est aussi perçue comme la protectrice des chats. Native de Landen, décédée en 659 à Nivelles. Elle est la première abbesse de l’abbaye nivelloise. Sa complicité avec les félins lui a valu d’être invoquée dans toute l’Europe contre les invasions de rats et de souris. Aux Pays-Bas, en Alsace et en Catalogne notamment.

Download the plan of the remarkable elements

Saints-jean-et-nicolas.

1400 Nivelles 298m Closed

Sainte-Aldegonde

7191 Ecaussinnes-Lalaing (Ecaussinnes) 10km Closed

7190 Marche-lez-Ecaussinnes (Ecaussinnes) 11km Closed

7090 Braine-le-Comte 13km Closed

Sainte-Barbe

7170 Fayt-lez-Manage (Manage) 14km Closed

• Netherlands
• Other countries in Europe
• Belgium ( in Dutch )
• Belgium ( in French )
• France (en français)
• Luxembourg (mostly in Luxembourgish)

Open Churches

• Why would we open the churches?
• Our objectives
• Network evolution
• Why join the network?
• Membership conditions
• A thousand ideas...
• Other networks in Europe
• Press material
• Press review

A European network

Legal mentions

• Walloon Brabant
• Waterloo 1815
• Villers-la-Ville Abbey
• Bois des Rêves
• Castle of Hélécine
• Hergé Museum
• Solvay Regional Estate

Folon Foundation

Collegiate Church of Sainte-Gertrude

Walibi and Aqualibi

Adventure park.

• Museums and curiosities
• Fun activities
• Golf courses
• Specialties of Walloon Brabant
• Local produce
• Chocolate makers
• Wines and spirits
• Breweries and local beers
• Bistrots de Terroir
• With the kids
• Martin’s Cycle Tour
• Heritage Secrets
• Cycling in the countryside
• In the footsteps of Napoleon
• Land of Artists
• Parks and gardens
• Walking tours
• Bikes welcome establishments
• By car and motorbike
• What to do this weekend?
• What to do this week?
• What to do with the kids?
• See all events
• Guest houses
• Bed and breakfasts
• Wellness stays
• Interactive Map
• How getting there?
• Our brochures
• My favourites

Start to explore !

With its impressive 102-metre nave, two sets of choir stalls and 11th-century crypt, the Collegiate Church of Saint Gertrude is one of the oldest and most important Romanesque churches in Europe. Explore this superb jewel in Nivelles, 20 km from Brussels!

A Brief History

The Collegiate Church of Saint Gertrude is a grandiose monument of exceptional harmony. It bears witness to the existence of an abbey founded in the same place as far back as the 7th century. The daughter of Pépin the Elder, Gertrude, great-great-aunt of Charlemagne, was the first abbess. Today, in the heart of Walloon Brabant, the collegiate church regularly brings together the Christians of the parish of Saint Gertrude. It was consecrated in 1046 in the presence of Wazon, Bishop of Liège, and Henry III, Emperor of the Holy German Empire.

Archaeological Excavations

Archaeological excavations have uncovered five churches (built between the 7th and 10th centuries) buried under the Collegiate Church of Saint Gertrude in Nivelles. The crypt hidden under the eastern choir is the largest in our region. In addition to this treasure, you can also visit the underground archaeological site under the main nave, the cloister and the central bell tower which houses the bells and the carillon. The cloister gives an idea of the abbey complex dedicated to Saint Gertrude.

The patron saint of Nivelles is also honoured during the Tour Sainte-Gertrude . Other events take place in or in front of the Collegiate Church: the Aclot carnival (the largest in Walloon Brabant), carillon concerts , the Nivelles agricultural fair  and many flea markets during the summer.

Practical information

Tel. +3267215413

[email protected]

www.tourisme-nivelles.be

Visit language : German, English, French, Dutch

Accessible People with limited mobility

Free visits

Individual guided tours:

Student, senior: €5

Child (6-12 years old): €2

vive Djan-Djan, vive Djan-Djan, c’èst l’pus vî ome dè Nivèle vive Djan-Djan, vive Djan-Djan, c’èst l’pu vî d’nos-abitants, Jean de Nivelles, the oldest inhabitant.

Other must-sees

See everything

What is the difference between these 2 Moscow metro tours on the same tour group page? One is less expensive than the other but both have positive reviews.

https://www.getyourguide.com/moscow-l181/moscow-2-hour-metro-tour-t92409/

https://www.getyourguide.com/moscow-l181/moscow-metro-tour-t19283/

We would like to go on this tour but could not decide which one to book. Thank you.

I see the only difference - one mentioned Spanish-speaking guide, the other not-presumably English...

I've seen one more - for 60+ euro!

Looks a bit unreal :)))

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

• Current best way to send dollars to Russia? 8:15 pm
• Are there direct flights from Moscow to central/southamerica 1:36 pm
• Russian 90/180 visa question yesterday
• Travelling to Russia having been to Ukraine for aid. yesterday
• Crossing the border from Narva to Ovanograd by bus Apr 09, 2024
• Planning trip to Russia Apr 09, 2024
• SIM card. Russian SIM cards, do they still work in the UK? Apr 09, 2024
• Winter palace or Main museum Apr 08, 2024
• Luxexpress or Baltic Shuttle to reach Narva border? Apr 08, 2024
• Traveling to Russia in January 2024 Apr 08, 2024
• Narva / Ivangorod crossing Apr 07, 2024
• Am a Tourist Can I Bring Dollars? Apr 07, 2024
• Kaliningrad. Gdansk. Apr 05, 2024
• Booking Russian Train tickets online from India? Apr 04, 2024
• Transaero Airlines 5 replies
• American Movies set in Russia 5 replies
• Moscow Airport transfer (SVO to DME) 4 replies
• Travel All Russia travel compnay 48 replies
• Russian River Cruise 10 replies
• Suggested Russia Tour - East West Tours 6 replies
• Do I need a visa if my flight has a connection in Russia? 4 replies
• Insight Vacations 24 replies
• Asian Grocery Store in Moscow 4 replies
• "Tourist Confirmation Letter and Travel Voucher" for a visa. 5 replies
• Where can I get initial answers to ANY question?

• Preplanned tours
• Daytrips out of Moscow
• Themed tours
• Customized tours
• St. Petersburg

Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

Moscow Metro Underground Small-Group Tour - With Reviews & Ratings

Moscow metro underground small-group tour.

• See more images

Tour Information

Key Details

• Mobile Voucher Accepted
• Free Cancellation
• Duration: 3 Hrs
• Language: English
• Departure Time : 10:00 AM
• Departure Details : Karl Marks Monument on Revolution Square, metro stop: Square of Revolution
• Return Details : Metro Smolenskaya
• If you cancel at least 4 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
• If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
• Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

Go beneath the streets on this tour of the spectacular, mind-bending Moscow Metro! Be awed by architecture and spot the Propaganda , then hear soviet stories from a local in the know. Finish it all up above ground, looking up to Stalins skyscrapers, and get the inside scoop on whats gone on behind those walls.

Know More about this tour

We begin our Moscow tour beneath the city, exploring the underground palace of the Moscow Metro. From the Square of Revolution station, famous for its huge statues of soviet people (an armed soldier, a farmer with a rooster, a warrior, and more), we’ll move onto some of the most significant stations, where impressive mosaics, columns, and chandeliers will boggle your eyes! Moreover, these stations reveal a big part of soviet reality — the walls depict plenty of Propaganda , with party leaders looking down from images on the walls. Your local guide will share personal stories of his/her family from USSR times, giving you insight into Russia’s complicated past and present. Then we’re coming back up to street level, where we’ll take a break and refuel with some Russian fast food: traditional pancakes, called bliny. And then, stomachs satiated, we are ready to move forward! We’ll take the eco-friendly electric trolleybus, with a route along the Moscow Garden Ring. Used mainly by Russian babushkas(grannies) during the day, the trolleybus hits peak hours in the mornings and evenings, when many locals use it going to and from their days. Our first stop will be the Aviator’s House, one of Stalin’s Seven Sisters, followed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — and you’ll hear the legends of what has gone on inside the walls. Throughout your Moscow tour, you’ll learn curious facts from soviet history while seeing how Russia exists now, 25 years after the USSR.

Local English-speaking guide

Pancake snack and drink

Additional food and drinks

Tickets for public transport

Souvenirs and items of a personal nature

Tips and gratuities for the guide

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Dress standard: Please wear comfortable shoes for walking. For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people

Traveler Reviews

This tour exceeded our expectations. Nikolai (Nick), our tour guide, was very knowledgeable, thorough, and has a great personality. He didn't take shortcuts and really covered everything that was on the agenda in great detail. We saw beautiful metro stations and learned the history behind them, including many of the murals and designs.

We did the tour with Anna her knowledge and understanding of the History surrounding the metro brought the tour alive. Well done Anna!

This tour was amazing!

Anna was a great tour guide. She gave us heaps of interesting information, was very friendly, and very kindly showed us how to get to our next tour.

Amazing beauty and history.

An excellent tour helped by an absolutely amazing guide. Anna gave a great insight into the history of the metro helped by additional material she had prepared.

great tour and guide - thanks again

great will do it again, Miriam ke was very good as a guide she has lived here all here life so knew every interesting detail.a good day