Collegiate Church of St. Peter and St. Guy

The Collegiate Church of St. Peter and St. Guy, known locally as Collegiale Sint-Pieter-en-Sint-Guidokerk, is a magnificent Roman Catholic church located in the heart of Anderlecht, a charming municipality in Brussels, Belgium. This remarkable edifice, dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Guy, stands as a testament to the rich historical and architectural heritage of the region.

A Glimpse into the Past

The origins of the Collegiate Church of St. Peter and St. Guy trace back to the 10th and 11th centuries, when it is believed that a primitive chapel once stood on this very site. Unfortunately, no remnants of this early structure have survived. The church as we know it began to take shape in the 11th century, with the establishment of a chapter of canons near a family church dedicated to Saint Peter. This initial Romanesque church was the main place of worship for the village of Anderlecht, founded in 1046 by Reinelde d'Aa, a member of the influential Duchy of Brabant family.

The Romanesque roots of the church are still visible today in the form of the 11th-century crypt beneath the chancel. This crypt, intended for the veneration of relics, houses a very old tombstone adorned with a simple branch design. According to tradition, this tomb is believed to be that of Saint Guy, the Poor Man of Anderlecht, who passed away around 1012. Over the centuries, the tomb of Saint Guy attracted numerous pilgrims, transforming the church into a place of dedication for the saint.

The Construction of a Gothic Masterpiece

The current Brabantine Gothic structure of the Collegiate Church of St. Peter and St. Guy was erected in stages, primarily between 1350 and 1527. At that time, Anderlecht was a modest village on the outskirts of Brussels, with a population of barely 300 inhabitants. Despite its small size, the church was designed to accommodate large gatherings, reflecting its significance as a regional center of worship.

The construction of the church involved several notable architects, including Hendrik de Mol, Jan van Ruysbroeck, Jan van Evergem, and Louis van Bodeghem. Jan van Ruysbroeck, the court architect of Philip the Good, played a crucial role in the construction of the choir during the 1460s. The impressive portal of the church was designed by Louis van Bodeghem, known for his work on the Royal Monastery of Brou in France. The square tower, which now features a neo-Gothic spire, was completed by Matthijs III Keldermans in 1527.

Traditions and Transformations

The Collegiate Church of St. Peter and St. Guy has been a focal point for various traditional events over the centuries. One such tradition, dating back to the Ancien Régime, involved young peasants participating in a triple gallop around the church during Pentecost celebrations. The winner of this perilous race was awarded a silver medal and crowned with a hat of roses. However, this custom was abolished in 1752 due to the inherent risks involved.

During the French regime in 1796, the college of canons was dissolved, but the church retained its collegiate title. In the 19th century, significant restoration work was carried out under the direction of architect Jules-Jacques Van Ysendyck. This restoration led to the discovery of several early 15th and 16th-century wall paintings. The church's square tower was also crowned with a neo-Gothic spire designed by Van Ysendyck in 1898, giving the church its current iconic appearance.

Architectural Splendor

The Collegiate Church of St. Peter and St. Guy is a stunning example of Brabantine Gothic architecture, with elements of neo-Gothic style added in the 19th century. The church is constructed from stone sourced from Avesnes in northern France and the Dilbeek quarry in present-day Flemish Brabant. The main portal is adorned with statues of Saint Peter, the Madonna and Child, and Saint Guy, though the originals have been replaced by copies to preserve them.

The church's spire, a prominent feature in the Brussels skyline, reflects the 19th-century neo-Gothic revival in Belgium. However, the weight of the spire combined with the instability of the ground now poses a threat to the tower's stability.

Exploring the Interior

The interior of the church, shaped like a Latin cross, features a nave with four low bays and a relatively deep choir. The walls are adorned with scenes depicting the life of Saint Guy, the martyrdom of Saint Erasmus, and Saint Christopher carrying the child Jesus. The Chapel of Our Lady of Grace houses a 15th-century statue of the Virgin Mary, originally from the Carthusian Monastery in Scheut.

The church's stained glass windows, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, depict the Virgin and Child and the Intercession. More recent windows, installed in the 19th and 20th centuries, include a representation of the Second Vatican Council of 1962. The large neo-Gothic organ, built by Georges Haupt, features 45 stops on three manuals and pedal and was inaugurated in 1937.

The Crypt: A Journey to the Past

The crypt of the Collegiate Church of St. Peter and St. Guy, dating back to the Romanesque period, is remarkably well-preserved. This half-buried crypt, with its eleven narrow windows and three naves, ends with a rare three-sided chevet. The central columns, some of which are monolithic, lend credence to the legend that they were repurposed from an ancient Roman villa.

At the center of the crypt lies a trapezoidal slab, believed to be the tomb of Saint Guy. Pilgrims once slipped through a narrow gap beneath the slab to have their wishes granted by the saint. The crypt's masonry was reinforced in the 15th century and restored in the 19th century, giving the stones a homogeneous appearance.

The Collegiate Church of St. Peter and St. Guy is not just a place of worship; it is a living monument to the rich history and architectural heritage of Anderlecht. Its walls echo with stories of devotion, tradition, and artistry, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Brussels.