The Basilica of St. Willibrordus stands in the heart of Hulst, a historic fortress city in Zeelandic Flanders, Netherlands. Dedicated to St. Willibrord, the church honors the missionary known as the apostle of the Benelux countries.
Construction of the nave took place between the 13th and 15th centuries. Over time, the church endured repeated damage, especially to its central tower. Notably, World War II caused major destruction, prompting a full redesign in the 1950s.
Today, the tower’s modern design contrasts with the surrounding Gothic architecture. However, this blend of old and new highlights the basilica’s enduring strength and evolving story. As a result, the building stands as a symbol of both resilience and renewal.
Inside, the church also offers visitors a rich collection of religious art. For example, The Good Samaritan, painted by Jan Baptist Maes of Ghent, reflects deep emotion and narrative skill. His 19th-century work adds spiritual warmth to the sacred space.
In addition, the scenes of the Way of the Cross draw strong emotional responses. Created by Jan Jozef Deloose from Sint-Niklaas, these paintings convey suffering and compassion with clarity. They remain central to the church’s devotional character.
Moreover, the carved frames by Ghent sculptor P. Pauwels enhance each artwork with detailed craftsmanship. His elegant woodwork supports both the visual and spiritual focus of each piece.
Altogether, the basilica offers more than a historic tour—it provides a meaningful experience for all visitors. Through architecture, art, and faith, it continues to inspire across generations.
Whether for reflection, appreciation, or worship, many find peace and beauty within its walls. Ultimately, the Basilica of St. Willibrordus remains one of the most treasured landmarks in Zeelandic Flanders.
Hulst is well connected by road and regional bus networks, with access to nearby railway stations in both the Netherlands and Belgium. Located near the Belgian border, the town is easily reachable from major cities such as Antwerp and Sint-Niklaas.
Airways
The nearest airport to Hulst is Antwerp International Airport, located approximately 30.1 kilometers from the Basilica of St. Willibrordus. Other nearby airports include Brussels Airport (51.8 Kms) and Rotterdam The Hague Airport (79.9 Kms), offering both domestic and international connectivity.
Railways
The nearest railway stations to the Basilica of St. Willibrordus are Sint-Niklaas Station in Belgium, located approximately 15.9 kilometers away, and Rilland-Bath Station in the Netherlands, about 57.3 kilometers from Hulst. From either station, travelers can take a regional bus or taxi to reach the basilica.
Roadways
The Basilica of St. Willibrordus is easily accessible by road from nearby Dutch and Belgian cities. It is 30.5 kilometers from Antwerp, 39 kilometers from Ghent, and 78 kilometers from Rotterdam. Regular bus services, such as Line 19 (Roosendaal – Hulst), Line 20 (Goes – Hulst), and Line 433 (Sint-Niklaas – Hulst), stop at Hulst Busstation, which is just 500 meters from the basilica.
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