The Collegiate Church of Sainte-Waudru stands in the centre of Mons, the capital of Hainaut in Wallonia, Belgium. It is a Gothic collegiate church, built between 1450 and 1621, and its long construction is visible in the sweep of its architecture, which rewards a slow walk around the outside before stepping inside.
What to see
- The architecture: a large Gothic building whose details reward close looking, both outside and within.
- The shrine of Saint Waudru: the church houses the shrine of the saint it is named after, and it is the focal point for many visitors.
- The Car d'Or procession: the church is best known for this procession, which is closely tied to the life of the building and the town.
Planning a visit
The church is at Place du Chapitre 20, 7000 Mons. If you want to confirm arrangements before you go, you can telephone +32 65 33 55 80. Because it sits in the historic heart of the town, it works well as part of a wider day exploring Mons on foot, with the surrounding streets and squares offering further old buildings to see along the way.
Whether you come for the architecture, the shrine, or the Car d'Or, the church gives a clear sense of Mons's long religious and civic history and makes a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in Gothic Belgium.
