Allerheiligste Verlosserkerk

Allerheiligste Verlosserkerk is the parish church of Borgt, a hamlet within the municipality of Grimbergen in Flemish Brabant, standing on Jozef Van Den Berghestraat. Modest in appearance, the building carries a history stretching back to the Middle Ages and ranks among the more overlooked religious landmarks near Brussels.

How old is this parish?

The parish of Borgt is one of the older ecclesiastical foundations in the region. It originally existed as an independent entity but eventually came under the patronage of the Berthout family, powerful lords who controlled large parts of what is now Flemish Brabant. A turning point came with the Grimbergen Wars (1139–1159), a prolonged armed conflict between the House of Berthout and the Duchy of Brabant. After the wars ended, the church in Borgt lost its independence and became formally subordinate to the parish of Grimbergen, which was itself dependent on the Premonstratensian Abbey of Grimbergen.

That arrangement lasted well into the 19th century. Borgt only received its own resident pastor in 1803, and it was not until 1844 that the hamlet gained full status as an independent parish, still under the abbey's spiritual guardianship.

Where does the current building come from?

Around 1500, a new church was built on the site of an earlier one. The single-nave structure that forms the core of today's building, constructed from calcareous sandstone in Gothic style, is dated to 1635 by researcher Delestré, though it may in fact be older and incorporate remnants of an earlier construction phase. Over the centuries the church was repeatedly modified and expanded, which explains the mix of architectural elements from different periods still visible today.

A major change came in 1852, when pastor Falet had the church enlarged by rebuilding the choir and adding a transept. This gave the interior a more classical, cross-shaped layout typical of larger parish churches of the period.

What is worth seeing inside?

The interior of Allerheiligste Verlosserkerk holds several notable pieces of religious art. Three 18th-century paintings survive: a Calvary scene with Mary Magdalene, a depiction of Saint Jerome, and a scene of Jesus meeting his mother while carrying the cross. Among the older furnishings is a 16th-century statue of Saint Barbara, a saint traditionally invoked for protection against sudden death and especially venerated in mining and craft communities.

The main altar dates from the 19th century, while the pulpit combines 18th-century elements with later additions. The church also preserves two confessionals, one from the 17th century and one from the 18th, testifying to centuries of continuous use. The organ, still used during services today, was built in the early 19th century.

Who is this place for?

Allerheiligste Verlosserkerk appeals to visitors interested in religious architecture and the local history of Flemish Brabant, and to anyone looking for a lesser-known stop around Brussels and Grimbergen. It also makes an interesting addition to a visit to the nearby Grimbergen Abbey, since the centuries-long dependency between the two churches left a visible mark on this building's architecture and furnishings.

Frequently asked questions

Is Allerheiligste Verlosserkerk the same as Grimbergen Abbey? No. It is a separate parish church in the Borgt district, historically dependent on the Premonstratensian Abbey of Grimbergen, but a distinct building in its own right.

How old is the current structure? The core of the church dates from around 1500, or possibly 1635 according to some research, and it was substantially enlarged in 1852 with a new choir and transept.

What historic features can be seen inside? Three 18th-century paintings, a 16th-century statue of Saint Barbara, a 19th-century main altar, and historic confessionals and organ.