Saint Alexius and Saint Catherine
Nonnenstraat 28
2800 Mechelen
Church Beguine church | XVII | Baroque | Catholic Church
Map
Opening hours
01 April - 31 October
Mon -
Tue 13.00 - 17.00
Wed 13.00 - 17.00
Thu 13.00 - 17.00
Fri 13.00 - 17.00
Sat 13.00 - 17.00
Sun 13.00 - 17.00
01 November - 31 March
Mon -
Tue 13.00 - 16.00
Wed 13.00 - 16.00
Thu 13.00 - 16.00
Fri 13.00 - 16.00
Sat 13.00 - 16.00
Sun 13.00 - 16.00
Guided tour
Religious offices
Description
The church of the beguines, officially named the Saint Alexius and Saint Catherine church, shows a lot of feminine charm.
The community of beguines in Malines was formed in the 13th century. In the course of the 16th century the community sought refuge within the city walls and settled on the current terrain. The church has a splendid facade, in Italian baroque style. For the building and decoration, the rich community could call on famous architects, scuptors and painters. The plans were drafted by the Jesuit Pieter Huyssens, executed by Jacques Francart from Brussels and architect at the court of archduke and duchess Albrecht and Isabella. The young Lucas Faydherbe helped with the decoration of the inside.
The richly decorated baroque decor is testimony to the prestige of the beguinage. It contains quite a few 17th century paintings from well-known Flemish painters such as Jan Cossiers, Theodor Boeyermans and Gaspar de Crayer.
The Saint Alexius and Saint Catherine church is one of 7 historic churches in Malines, promoted by Torens aan de Dijle in cooperation with the city of Malines.
KIKIRPA : Photo-library online
Photos
Remarkable elements
Our Lady of Sorrows
Lucas Faydherbe’s statue of the Holy Mary is said to be carved from the oak that held the original miracle statue of Scherpenheuvel. Though only Malines woodcarvers were allowed to use this wood, pieces were used for other Marian statues, also seen as miraculous, helping spread the cult. Here, Mary stands in an oak, surrounded by cured worshippers, with the church of Scherpenheuvel behind her.
Ivory sculpture of Christ
Hieronymus Duquesnoy (1602-1654) is possibly the most famous name whose scupture we have in this church. He was admired by Rubens and had a successful career in Italy. This copy of his Christ on the Cross (the original is part of the church treasure) in wood and ivory is a masterpiece. Christ is stretching his arm upwards, because of the nature of the material (ivory) used.
The beguinage in Malines
In the 13th century the beguinage began in and around the present Begijnen street. Beguines take temporary religious vows and lead a secluded life. The richer beguines owned their own home, while the others lives together in convents. Around 1650 the beguine community acquired paintings for their church from well-known Flemish artists. Most of these paintings, around 50, have been saved.
Ascension of Christ
Painting by Gaspar De Crayer (1584-1669), one of the better known artists. This, and other paintings on this wall, originate from the Abbay of Grimbergen which was closed during the French Revolution.
The main altar
Contains two paintings mounted back to back which swivel round an axis. From August 15th (Ascension Day) the painting “Ascension of the Holy Mary” is shown (Lucas II Franchoys – 1616-1681). From end November the construction is swiveled round to show the painting “Spiritual marriage of Saint Catherine” by Theodoor Boeyermans (1620-1678), which also depicts the second patron saint, Saint Alexius.
