Sint-Lutgardiskerk

Sint-Lutgardiskerk is the parish church of Zuun, a district of the municipality of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw in Flemish Brabant, standing on Arthur Quintusstraat. Dedicated to Saint Lutgardis, a mystic venerated across the region, the church has served as the religious and social heart of this small community on the outskirts of Brussels for well over a century.

How did the parish in Zuun come about?

Zuun's proximity to the Brussels agglomeration led to rapid population growth in the second half of the 19th century. To meet the needs of these new residents, a chapel dedicated to Saint Lutgardis was put into use in 1896. According to local tradition, this neo-Gothic hall building was erected out of gratitude for the healing of Countess Antoinette van der Dilft. That same year, an auxiliary parish was formally established around the chapel, marking the true beginning of the Sint-Lutgardis community in Zuun.

What did the church look like before it was rebuilt?

The original 19th-century chapel served the faithful for decades before being replaced only in the 1970s. This means that for most of its history, the parish relied on a modest neo-Gothic structure, and the much larger church standing today is, by comparison, a fairly recent addition set against the community's older religious roots.

Who designed the current building?

The modern hall church, together with its adjoining parish center, was designed by Antwerp architect Frans De Groodt. Construction stretched over more than a decade, from 1965 to 1976, reflecting a substantial undertaking for what was, at the time, a relatively small municipality. The new structure replaced the original chapel while preserving the parish's dedication and identity, which trace back to the late 19th century.

What artistic features are worth noticing inside?

The interior features work by local artist Luc Van Ruysevelt, who created the statue of Saint Lutgardis, the church's patron saint, and also designed the distinctive, stylized figure of Christ placed at the front of the building. These elements give the church a recognizable identity that sets it apart from many post-war modernist churches elsewhere in Belgium.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the church located? On Arthur Quintusstraat in Zuun, a district of the municipality of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw in the province of Flemish Brabant.

Is this an old church? The parish itself is over 120 years old, having been established in 1896, but the current building is considerably younger — it was constructed between 1965 and 1976, replacing the original neo-Gothic chapel.

Why is the church dedicated to Saint Lutgardis? According to local tradition, the original chapel was built as a votive offering of gratitude for the healing of Countess Antoinette van der Dilft, and Saint Lutgardis was chosen as the parish's patron.

Who is responsible for the artwork inside the church? Local artist Luc Van Ruysevelt created both the statue of the patron saint and the figure of Christ displayed at the front of the church.

Is it worth combining a visit with another route in the area? The church serves as the starting point of a local walking route around Zuun (the so-called Zuunwandeling), making it a convenient launch point for a short scenic walk through the neighborhood.