Mary Magdalene Chapel — Attraction in Brussels

This is a solid and earthy church in downtown Brussels; with foundations dating to the 13th century, the building itself as it stands now was rebuilt in the 19th century. Originally there was a chapel dedicated to St Anne of which the door remains (see the photo attached).

As the door to St Anne's chapel, a baroque portal remains (1637) with images of Christ, Mary Magdalene, and the Angels. It's rather astonishing that it should survive. The portal, as one historian commented, "survived the bombardment by Louis 14th in 1695 and two world wars," while the chapel of Mary Magdalene itself survived what they call the "north/south connection" which was a railways linking north and south completed in 1956 which damaged the urban landscape.

One finds also an adjoining chapel dedicated to St Rita with words of thanks to her in German (see image). I assume this is the St Rita, known as one of the saints of hopeless cases. She was Rita of Cascia, who became a widow (14th century) and tried to join the monastery of Mary of Magdalene in Italy but she was at first denied as they didn't take widows. However, she persisted and got into the monastery, so now she's honored as the saint who helps people in difficult situations. Here she's I think portrayed as a friend to refugees in Brussels ( I'd need to get the details on this). It could be a different saint Rita but since St Rita of Cascia is associated with Mary Magdalene, probably that's the Rita here.

Inside, there's very nice icon of Abraham with the angels (from Genesis). The icon has existed as a template from ancient times, I suppose, but the painter Rublov created the most celebrated and expert version of it. For the orthodox, icons are anonymous, and shouldn't be claimed by any single artist.

The icon image depicts the scene with Abraham and the angels in Genesis 18, which became an emblem for the trinity, since it was interpreted from the Genesis story that God was present in three forms (i.e. the 3 persons of the trinity). The hospitality of Abraham signifies perfect faith since he gave care and food to these visitors without knowing until later that they were angels...

Tucked away in the vibrant center of Brussels, Marie-Madeleine Magdalenakerk is an underrated treasure that deserves far more attention. While many tourists flock to the Grand Place or Manneken Pis, those who step into this charming chapel will discover a peaceful sanctuary rich in history and beauty.

Dating back to the 13th century, this chapel has witnessed the evolving story of Brussels. Though small in size, it carries an immense spiritual and architectural significance. Over the centuries, it has been restored and reshaped, blending Gothic and Baroque elements that give it a unique charm. Its stunning façade, serene interiors, and intricate wooden altarpieces create a tranquil retreat from the bustling city outside.

But what makes Magdalenakerk truly special is its dedication to Mary Magdalene, a figure of deep reverence in Christian history. Legends suggest that her veneration spread throughout medieval Europe, influencing churches like this one. Today, the chapel serves not only as a place of worship but also as a cultural gem, hosting concerts and exhibitions that connect past and present.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply a traveler seeking a quiet escape, this chapel is a must-visit. Located just a short walk from major Brussels landmarks, it’s the perfect spot to pause, reflect, and soak in the city’s rich heritage.

A hidden gem that adds depth and beauty to any...

Eglise Sainte Marie-Madeleine (Church of St. Mary Magdalene) is a historic church located along Rue de la Madeleine just outside the Brussels Central train station and perhaps 200 metres from the Grand Place.

This is another Brabant Gothic style church, featuring a Baroque period wing that was built after the French bombardment in 1695 which caused significant damage to the building structure at that time. The church is nice to view from outside but less impressive compared to the larger Brabantine Gothic churches in the city centre.

The interior of the Church of St. Mary Magdalene is small and subtle. The stained-glass windows are modern in design, contrasting nicely to the Gothic features of the building interior. They date from the 1950s when the church was last restored.

Overall, we enjoyed our brief 10 minute visit to Eglise Sainte Marie-Madeleine. Its worth a quick stop and look around if you find yourself in this area of Brussels with time to spare and interest in such...