There are special places and then there are even more special places. The Gaasbeek Castle sits high above the rolling green Pajottenland landscape. Each stone is testimony to history and getting there is an experience in itself. While you are there, remember to visit the large museum garden, a brilliant example of living cultural heritage.
Saint Gertrude’s Chapel
The Gaasbeek Castle, which is set within a 49 hectare park dating back to the 17th century, features both impressive avenues and small footpaths. The buildings are historically linked to the castle via the Baroque Sint-Gertrudiskapel, the Gloriette (pavilion) with unique stucco ceiling, the neo-Gothic barn, the octagon and the Classicist triumphal arch. Along with the three large ponds, this is the ultimate place to unwind.
The Vision of Saint Gertrude - Gerard Seghers
The early medieval Saint Gertrude of Nivelles was known for her hospitality to pilgrims. She had churches, chapels, schools and hospices built and cared for the poor and needy. Gertrude had an extensive knowledge of the Bible and, as a mystic, had visions such as the one depicted on this canvas. She was invoked against rat and mouse infestations, fever and insanity. The saint is depicted with rats surrounding her crook. The Baroque artist Gerard Seghers painted in the style of Caravaggio and Rubens. A reproduction of this painting currently hangs in the Sint-Gertrudiskapel, pending a climate study. The reproduction certainly does not detract from Gerard Seghers’ craftsmanship.
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