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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Gilles, located in Brussels, is the third place of worship in the local parish. Originally, the hamlet of Obbrussel (former name of Saint-Gilles) depended on the parish of Forest. In 1216 Henry I, Duke of Brabant and Lotharingia, erected Obbrussel as an independent parish and authorized the construction of a church dedicated to Saint Gilles l'Ermite. The village developed around this building, destroyed in 1578 by the inhabitants to avoid its use by Spanish troops besieging Brussels.

In 1595, a new church was built on the same site. His choir was consecrated in 1600, but the works did not end until 1756 with the cover of the nave. The building suffered damage during the bombings of Brussels in 1695, then was restored and enlarged. In 1823, a new tower was added. In the 19th century, population growth in the Faubourg de Saint-Gilles, linked to the expansion of Brussels, led to the demolition of the church in 1868 to build a larger church.

The design of the new building is entrusted to urban planner Victor Besme, who changes its orientation and location. The work, begun in 1868, was interrupted in 1867 because of a dispute between the architect and the council of the church factory. They resumed in 1875 and ended in 1878. The church was solemnly consecrated on April 12, 1880. In an eclectic style, it combines Romanesque and Gothic elements, with a basilical plan including a bell tower, three naves, a transept and a choir finished in apse.

In 1879, the choir was equipped with stained glass windows funded by the Berckmans family. The central window represents Saint Gilles, Saint Barbe, Saint Francis de Sales, Saint Joseph, Saint Elizabeth and Saint John the Baptist, patron saint of this family. Two other stained glass windows illustrate the twelve apostles. The church, still in operation, is served by the Parvis premetro station of Saint-Gilles.

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