Built in the 14th century, La Cambre Church still hides many secrets. Work to install new lighting in the building has allowed the archaeologists to explore parts that are rarely accessible. Perched on scaffolding, they came face to face with two groups of polychrome sculptures from the 14th and 17th centuries. A lion, a coquettish mermaid, a wolf devouring a lamb and a monkey holding a small dog in its arms are among the animals featured in the abbey church. A little further on, a pope, a cardinal and two bishops support one of the church’s vaults… But who are they exactly? The archaeologists will try to solve this mystery with you. They will also show you the extraordinary remains of painted ceilings from the late 16th century. And you will meet the dendrochronologists from the Royal Institute for  Cultural Heritage, who have studied the church’s roof structure. During a guided tour, immerse yourself in nearly 700 years of history, from the construction of the church to its restoration after the First World War.

Collaboration urban.brussels – Art & History Museum – Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage – Church of Notre-Dame de la Cambre and Saint-Philippe-Néri

Book your guided tour by sending an email to archeologie@urban.brussels, specifying the type of event/the site, the number of people, the time and the language.

Practical information

Guided tours on Saturday 14/06/2025

Address: Abbaye of La Cambre, 1050 Ixelles

Meeting point: in front of the church

Maximum 35 persons per guided tour

Reservation compulsory

Accessible for PRM

Saturday 14/06/2025

Schedule of guided tours (Duration of the visit: 60 min)

Guided tours in French

10.30 (FR)

13.30 (FR)