Landloperskapel

The Landloperskapel, or vagrants’ chapel, of Merksplas Colony was built at the end of the 19th century after designs by Victor Besme. It is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. This large and spacious chapel with a robust brick tower is part of a w

The Landloperskapel, or vagrants’ chapel, of Merksplas Colony was built at the end of the 19th century after designs by Victor Besme. It is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. This large and spacious chapel with a robust brick tower is part of a whole comprising the other main buildings in Merksplas Colony. The architectural style of this chapel is eclectic, evident from the neo-Romanesque elements and the steel arches. The skylights along the ridge of the roof are also unique, allowing for surprising incident light. It is also necessary, because this building is not oriented towards the east, but towards the west. In this way, the vagrants could take the shortest (and straightest) way from their dormitories to the church service.

Under the chapel are large cellars in which harvested vegetables were preserved and meat was brined. Carts were loaded and unloaded through the rear entrance.

This building has been a protected monument since 1999.

The cellars are now occupied by the Prison Museum.

Hier stond een afbeelding: _DBX3582_HDR_0.JPG