Saint Waltrude Collegiate Church 🇧🇪

Step into history at Saint Waltrude Collegiate Church (Collégiale Sainte-Waudru), a Roman Catholic parish church in Mons, Belgium, protected by the heritage register of Wallonia. Construction of the current building began in 1450 with the east end, originally serving as a collegiate church for a community of noble canonesses. These aristocratic women—who took no vows of poverty or chastity—were famous in the 15th and 16th centuries for their religious dramas before the order ended during the French Revolution.

Today, you can marvel at a fine example of Brabantine Gothic architecture, with parts designed by Matheus de Layens, though construction halted in the 17th century leaving it unfinished. As you walk through the interior, you will discover important artworks, including sculptures by Jacques Du Brœucq and paintings by masters like Peter Paul Rubens, Michiel Coxie, Floris de Vriendt, Otto Venius, and Theodoor van Thulden. Pay your respects at historic graves, including those of Alice of Namur and Antoine de Carondelet.

You can also admire the large late-17th-century organ, acquired in the early 19th century and restored by Klais Orgelbau, which carries a rich musical legacy associated with the famous Fetis family.

What to see at Saint Waltrude Collegiate Church

• Brabantine Gothic exterior partially designed by Matheus de Layens
• Sculptures by Jacques Du Brœucq and paintings by Peter Paul Rubens
• Historic graves of Alice of Namur and Antoine de Carondelet
• Restored late-17th-century organ linked to organist François-Joseph Fétis

Visiting tips

Be sure to look out for the unfinished architectural elements resulting from construction halting in the 17th century.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Saint Waltrude Collegiate Church is easy to reach on Mons’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Mundaneum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Mons travel guide.