Just a few kilometers from Brussels, a small hamlet in Walloon Brabant seems to have been frozen in time. The village of L’Ermite, nestled in Braine-l’Alleud, is home to a listed Gothic chapel and the ruins of a former Augustinian priory, hidden among fields and trails.
Every year, for just two weekends, the doors of this mystical site open to the public. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in over 600 years of history, blending legends, spirituality, and peaceful nature —a timeless getaway to (re)discover less than 30 minutes from the capital.
A journey through the history of the Priory of L’Ermite
Located in Braine-l’Alleud, in the hamlet of L’Ermite, the former Priory of Notre-Dame de Jéricho —also known as the Priory of L’Ermite —bears witness to a rich religious past. The site’s origins date back to the 12th century, but the priory as we know it today was founded in the late 14th century, when Jeanne, Duchess of Brabant, donated the Dudinsart estate to devout women to establish a community of Augustinian nuns there.
The site’s history has been eventful: fires, relocations, and then the dissolution of the priory in 1783 byEmperor Joseph II during his religious reforms. Only the Gothic chapel, built in the 15th century of stone and remodeled in the 18th century, remains today. Restored beginning in 1935 by Father Maurice Thibaut de Maisières, it was designated a historic monument in 1936, and the site as a whole was designated in 1953.
The chapel houses a rich collection of furnishings: statues from the 16th to the 18th centuries, tombstones, reliquaries, and Baroque elements. Its current portal, built in 1937, bears witness to the restorations undertaken in the 20th century. Guided tours are organized twice a year—on the last Sunday in May and the last Sunday in August—allowing visitors to explore the interior of the chapel and the treasures it holds.
The village of L’Ermite, a natural and heritage site in the heart of Walloon Brabant
Nestled in lush greenery, the hamlet of l’Ermite offers a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a stroll. In addition to the chapel, visitors can admire the Church of the Sacred Heart of l’Ermite, built in the 20th century, as well as the l’Ermite water tower, constructed in 1904, which overlooks the surrounding area. These buildings lend the site a unique charm, blending Gothic, Baroque, and rural architectural styles.
The village of L’Ermite, a quiet yet essential place for understanding the spiritual and architectural richness of Walloon Brabant!
