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Basilica of Saint Agatha and Saint Barbara

Basilica of Saint Agatha and Saint Barbara

It cannot be missed, the immense basilica. Its dome resembles that of the famous St Peter's. The front is inspired by the façade of St John of Lateran, another famous church in Rome. If you look at the Basilica of Oudenbosch, you are looking at Rome. This one here is as much as 16 times smaller than the world-famous St Peter's. Looking at Rome with big eyes, by the way, so did the founders of this church. The Rome of the popes was the source of inspiration for Oudenbossche parish priest Willem Hellemons. The famous Pierre Cuypers was commissioned to design the basilica.

As a 'building pastor', Hellemons not only looked at architecture in Rome. He also brought the example of the
'congregations' with them. Congregations were a new kind of community of brothers or sisters at that time. They were concerned with caring for the poor and education. Thanks to Hellemons, Oudenbosch became known throughout the Netherlands as an educational centre. And known for its domed church, a huge building for such a small village, to which local people and entrepreneurs also contributed a lot. The guides at the Basilica are happy to tell you all about this
monument and its history. In Basilica Square, you will also see the monument to the Zouaves; these are soldiers who defended Vatican territory. You can see a Zouave receiving the blessing of Pope Pius the 9th.
See more: the architectural style of famous architect Pierre Cuypers can also be admired in nearby Hoeven.
There you can see the Seminary Bovendonk. Now a beautiful hotel and conference venue.

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Saint Anna boarding school

A source of care and education since 1837
Discover the inspiring story of Pensionaat Sint Anna, where the Franciscan nuns from Roosendaal played an important role in the education and care of girls and poor children in Oudenbosch. What started as a modest convent grew into an international community with more than 200 sisters active in Kenya, Ethiopia and America, among others. Read more about this special history on the page about Saint Anna boarding school.

To Saint Anna boarding school