Collegiate Church of St. Gertrude

Also known as the Collégiale Sainte-Gertrude de Nivelles, this Romanesque church dates back to the 7th century. Originally the church was housed within an abbey whose first abbess was Saint Gertrude of Nivelles, the patron saint of cats.

Through the centuries, several churches were built on this site. In 1046, the current church was consecrated with Wazon, Bishop of Liège, and Henry III, Emperor of the Holy German Empire, presiding over the ceremony.

World War II-era bombings destroyed several sections of the church, including its original Gothic bell tower. Since then, the tower has been completely rebuilt in its original Romanesque style.

Among the furniture and objects exhibited in the interior are various paintings, sculptures, carved furniture, and a shrine to Saint Gertrude. Every year, the shrine is taken around town on the feast day of Saint Michael (who may have been the original patron of Nivelles) in a procession known as the Tour of Saint Gertrude. 

Located in the south tower is a golden automaton bell striker known as Jean de Nivelles or "Djan Djan." Standing about 2 meters high and weighing 350 kilograms, he strikes a small bell attached to the turret every half hour and hour. He was originally housed in the local town hall but was moved to this location around 1620. 

The Collegiate Church of St. Gertrude also contains an 11th-century crypt, one of the largest in Belgium. Archaeological excavations also on view beneath the church have revealed the remains of earlier churches at the site and 7th-century Merovingian tombs.

Visitors can also climb more than 100 steps to the church's carillon housing 49 bells.