St. Nicolas Church

This was originally known as the Récollets church. It was founded in 1632 by the Récollets religious order of mendicants and preachers, and consecrated in 1642. The front part of the present church corresponds to the earliest building. The church was restored and considerably extended in the 18th century. The Dukes of Ursel, who financed the work, had their coat of arms mounted in the vaulting of the choir, bearing the date of completion of the work in 1774. After the Revolution, the church was granted to the municipality, which undertook its restoration, and became a parish church by the name of Saint Nicolas. It features some superb 16th century baptismal fonts. Adjoining the church once stood the Récollets convent, construction of which began in 1629. The site today consists of the former presbytery, buildings now used as apartments and shops, and a public garden. Opposite the church is the current entrance to the chateau (which used to be opposite the Halle aux Blés).