Saint Waltrude Collegiate Church

Saint Waltrude Collegiate Church is a Catholic church, named in honour of Saint Waltrude of Mons. This old church is a protected monument.

History 
The History of the church dates back to 1450, and the origin of the famous chapter of noble canonesse that seated for centuries inside this church. The chapter played an important part in the local history, all of the Canonesse were familymembers of important noble houses. Antoine-Joseph Fetis, titular organist, taught his eldest son François-Joseph the first steps of the practice of organ music.

Inside the church important graves can be found amongst them Antoine de Carondelet and Alice of Namur

famous Canonesses
Their statutes, approved by the Empress, required the canonesses to prove their noble status.
 Isabel, sister of Katherine Swynford.
 Eléonore-Jeanne de Mérode.
 Marie-Magdelaine de Gavre. 
 Anne de Noyelles.
 Anne Charlotte de Lorraine, Secular Abbess of the chapter in 1754 by imperial request of Empress Maria-Theresia.

Architecture 

The exterior of the church is a fine example of Brabant Gothic architecture, parts are built by Matheus de Layens. However in the 17th century the works stopped and the building was never completely finished. The interior contains important artworks, including sculptures by Jacques du Broeucq and paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, Floris de Vriendt, Theodoor van Thulden, Otto Venius and Michiel Coxie.

References 

Category:Protected heritage sites in Hainaut (province)
Category:History of Mons
Category:Collegiate churches in Belgium