Sint-Egidiuskerk

Sint-Egidiuskerk is the parish church of Groot-Bijgaarden, a village within the municipality of Dilbeek in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant, standing along the Brusselstraat. Its story goes back to the 12th century, when the parish of Groot-Bijgaarden was carved out of parts of the parishes of Anderlecht, Zellik and Bekkerzeel, at the initiative of the lords of Bijgaarden and the Sint-Wivina abbey.

How did the church begin?

The original building did not survive the religious conflicts that swept through the Low Countries and was destroyed during that turmoil. It was rebuilt around 1600, and the late-Gothic tower raised in that phase is the oldest surviving part of the church still standing today.

Where does the current classicist look come from?

Between 1771 and 1778, a much larger new section of the church was built in classicist style, designed by architect Bernard Thibout. Rather than demolishing the older structure, the builders chose to keep the early-17th-century late-Gothic tower and attach it to the new classicist body — producing the contrasting mix of architectural styles the building still shows today.

What survived war damage, and what remains inside?

The church suffered further losses in the 20th century: in 1945, a significant part of the interior furnishings was destroyed. Even so, several notable pieces survived. The church holds a 17th-century figure of Christ that originally came from the Sint-Wivina abbey, along with a statue of Saint Wivina dating from 1857. A Louis XV-style confessional and a Louis XVI-style pulpit have also been preserved, and the baptismal font rests on an 18th-century base.

What protected status does the building hold?

Because of its historical and architectural value, Sint-Egidiuskerk was listed as a protected monument in 1946, making it one of the safeguarded heritage sites in the Groot-Bijgaarden area, alongside the nearby Groot-Bijgaarden Castle.

Why is Sint-Egidiuskerk worth a visit?

The church offers an unusually clear example of architectural continuity, combining elements from three distinct periods in a single structure: a late-Gothic tower more than four centuries old, a classicist nave from the late 18th century, and interior pieces that survived 20th-century war damage. It's a compact opportunity to see several layers of the region's religious architecture history in one place.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Sint-Egidiuskerk located? On the Brusselstraat in Groot-Bijgaarden, a village that is part of the municipality of Dilbeek in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium.

When was the parish of Groot-Bijgaarden established? In the 12th century, formed from parts of the parishes of Anderlecht, Zellik and Bekkerzeel.

Which part of the church is the oldest? The late-Gothic tower, rebuilt around 1600 after the original was destroyed during religious conflicts.

Is the building legally protected? Yes, it has been listed as a protected monument since 1946.