The town of Spa is known for its mineral springs. As early as the 16th century, these bubbling water spots attracted many visitors. In this location, surrounded by the hills of the Ardennes, stands an impressive church, namely the “Église Notre-Dame et Saint-Remacle”. This Church of Our Lady and Saint Remaclus was built in 1885 and 1886, right on the site of former churches. The impressive structure is a testament to the Rhineland Romanesque style. The architect was Eugène Carpentier (1819-1886) from Beloeil. In 1886, the church was consecrated by the Bishop of Liège, Monseigneur Victor-Joseph Doutreloux (1837-1901).
In the front facade, the portals are adorned with four tympana; these are triangular tops on columns. Below this, Our Lady sits on the throne of wisdom. Well-known saints from the Ardennes are also depicted here, namely Saint Hubert (655-727) with a deer and Saint Remaclus (600-673) with a saddled wolf.
The interior of the church is magnificent. The high altar, side chapel altars, and pulpit are made of Italian Botticino marble. The statues are made of Bengali alabaster. The apse is decorated with a fresco, depicting, among others, the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist, Saint Peter and Saint Remaclus. They point to Christ as the essential source of life.
In the central nave, there are 6 wooden statues by the Liège sculptor Guillaume Évrard (1709-1793). The statues date from the period 1750-1751. Standout depictions include the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus, Saint Remaclus, and Saint Roch. The statue of Mary, in particular, is an exceptionally beautiful work of art.
Behind the organ, the central stained-glass window is dedicated to Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel. This window was donated by Queen Marie-Henriette Anne (1836-1902), the Archduchess of Austria and later the wife of King Leopold II (1835-1909). The Queen stayed in Spa for a considerable time and attended Holy Mass in this church on Sundays. In 1902, her funeral service also took place in this church.
