Basilica of Saints Agatha and Barbara

According to www.europeisch.com, this basilica in Oudenbosch, The Neth., is number 42 on the list of the most beautiful basilicas in Europe. It actually dominates Oudenbosch; without it, Oudenbosch would have remained quite anonymous. It is visible kilometers away if you are on either the A17 or the A58, although you do need to know where to turn your head if you want a good look. In touristic weather, tourist buses fill up its tiny parking area and maneouver in the village's narrow residential streets to exit it again.

Building began in 1865 on the initiative of Fr. Willem Hellemons and consecration took place in 1880. It was patterned after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and is actually one-tenth of the St. Peter's. Somewhere in the Oudenbosch history books, one might read that the construction was paid for by the parishioners. Even the poorest of the farmers were approached and coerced into contributing their precious savings, after which they were promised a 'place in heaven'. During WWII, the Germans garrisoned in the village used the dome for sniper work.

I enter it sparingly -- to show visitors around, or to attend funeral services. Actually, though, it is used most often for weddings because of its lavish and magnificent interior.