Sint-Anna Church (Itterbeek)
| Sint-Anna Church | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | Sint-Anna-Pede |
| Country | Belgium |
| History | |
| Founded | 1250 |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Romanesque / Gothic |
The Sint-Anna Church is a Roman Catholic church in Sint-Anna-Pede, in the municipality of Dilbeek, Belgium. It is depicted in The Blind Leading the Blind by Pieter Breughel the Elder.
History
The church was built around 1250. Founded by the Beguine convent of Brussels. It is mentioned in apud Pede juxta nova capella (at Pede near the new chapel).[1]
The nave of the church was erected in the 16th century. In the 17th century, the church was renovated in a Gothic style, with the addition of a rib vault.
The church and surroundings were protected in 1948.
Architecture
The Sint-Anna Church is built in sandstone, combined with layers of bricks. It has both Romanesque and Gothic architectural characteristics.
The church is situated in the middle of a former cemetery and is surrounded by a copse of trees.
The Blind Leading the Blind
The Sint-Anna Church is displayed in the painting The Blind Leading the Blind by Pieter Breughel the Elder. The painting shows six blind men walking past the Pedebeek. The first one has already fallen and is lying in the stream. The second one tries to keep his balance, but starts to fall anyway. In his fall, he drags the third one with him. The last three have yet to fall.
According to a local legend, the painter lived at the time in the small castle that is also depicted on the painting.[2]
References
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Coordinates: 50°49′53″N 4°14′01″E / 50.83131°N 4.23364°E