Chapel of Steenbergen: In detail

The Zoet Water in Oud-Heverlee is located in the valley of the Vaalbeek between the Meerdaalwoud and the Heverleebos. On the edge of this pond complex is the baroque Chapel of Steenbergen.

In this contribution we will search for the origin of the chapel that is rooted in the Marian cult in Flanders. We will reflect on the history that is reflected in the rich interior of the chapel. That history is inextricably linked to the lordship in which the chapel is located. Steenbergen was an enclave between the properties of the van Arenbergs for 200 years. The ducal dynasty acquired the lordship in the middle of the 18th century and cherished the sanctity of this place. Pilgrims and pilgrims still find their way to the chapel in the forest.