Dreefkapel

Dreefkapel is a small stone chapel standing along a tree-lined avenue in Grimbergen, a municipality in the Flemish Brabant province of Belgium, close to the grounds of the former castle of the princes of Grimbergen. Modest in appearance, it carries a history stretching back to the 18th century, rooted in one benefactor's personal gratitude for surviving a brush with death.

Who built the chapel, and why?

The chapel was commissioned by Maria de Bergue, Princess of Grimbergen, as a votive offering after she escaped what could have been a fatal accident. It was completed in 1734 and dedicated to Our Lady of Altötting, a Marian devotion tracing back to the Bavarian shrine at Altötting — one of Central Europe's oldest and most significant pilgrimage sites. The choice of this particular dedication hints that the princess may have had a personal connection to the cult, or had made a pilgrimage to Bavaria herself before founding the chapel.

An avenue of ancient beeches

For generations, the chapel stood in the shade of five centuries-old beech trees, which gave the spot its distinctive, shaded character and turned it into a landmark along the walking paths near the former princely residence. Eventually the trees had to be removed for safety reasons, as their age had made them a hazard to passers-by. Three younger beeches were planted in their place, gradually taking over the role of their predecessors, though they have yet to match their size or age.

The 1934 restoration

A key moment in the chapel's history came in 1934, the 200th anniversary of its construction. To mark the occasion, the chapel was partially restored on the initiative of Baroness Joanna de Merode (1853–1944), then owner of the princes' castle (Prinsenkasteel) in Grimbergen. Her involvement ensured the chapel was not left to decay and that it retained its role as a site of local religious devotion.

The troubled history of the statue

From the outset, the chapel's interior housed a statue of Our Lady of Altötting, though its story turned out to be anything but peaceful. The original statue was stolen as early as 1849, little more than a century after the chapel was built. Its replacement met a similar fate during the Second World War, when it too was stolen. A further replacement was brought in, this time sourced directly from the shrine in Altötting, preserving the chapel's original dedication after more than two centuries.

Who looks after it today?

The Dreefkapel is now owned by the municipality of Grimbergen, which took over responsibility for its upkeep once the chapel ceased to be part of the private estate of the princely family. Thanks to this, the site remains accessible to residents and visitors as a piece of local history and folk devotion.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Dreefkapel located? The chapel stands in Grimbergen, in the Flemish Brabant province, near the grounds of the former castle of the princes of Grimbergen.

Who is the chapel dedicated to? It is dedicated to Our Lady of Altötting, referencing the Marian cult from the Bavarian shrine at Altötting.

When was it built? The Dreefkapel was built in 1734, commissioned by Maria de Bergue, Princess of Grimbergen.

Are the surrounding trees historic? The original five centuries-old beech trees were removed for safety reasons and replaced with three younger trees that now grow around the chapel.

Who owns the chapel today? The chapel is owned by the municipality of Grimbergen.