We go back in time and look for traces of the Spanish period.
Historical background
On 20 October 1496, Lier was the setting for the marriage of Philip the Handsome with Joanna of Castile, the daughter of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile. Their marriage laid the foundation for more than 200 years of union between the Southern Netherlands and Spain.
Johanna left Spain and on her arrival in Antwerp she and her extensive entourage were given a grandiose reception. Philip travelled up from Tyrol. When the future couple met for the first time, there was an immediate spark.
Philip and Joanna had six children, including the later Emperor Charles V (1500).
The marriage had great political significance, when Joanna inherited the kingdom of Castile after Isabella's death (1504). Philip and Joanna became King and Queen. Philip died shortly thereafter (1506). Joanna was inconsolable and went mad with grief. Ferdinand was appointed regent as long as his grandson Charles was still a minor. After Ferdinand's death (1516), Charles became King of Spain.
Why did Philip the Handsome and Joanna of Castile get married in Lier?.
Following the death of Mary of Burgundy, a period of political instability followed (1482-1492). As a small 'loyal' city, Lier was a better choice to organise this wedding than the major urban centres of power like Antwerp, Mechelen, Brussels or Leuven. Perhaps the choice was determined by the influential de Berghes family, who held court in Lier. The special devotion of the influential Duchess Margaret of York for the patron saint of Lier, Gummarus, perhaps also played a role.
Memories from the Spanish period
At six locations in the city centre we find commemorative plaques that recall Joanna and Philip. Scan the QR code and discover the Spanish past.
1. St. James's Chapel or Spanish Chapel
2. Hof van Santhoven or Hof van Mechelen
3. Aragonbrug
4. Hof van Aragon
5. St. Gummarus Church
6. Bril or Spanish Gate
The Scandinavia Tour follows the trail of kings and Vikings in Lier. Our northern visitors left behind a lot of traces. On the Scandinavia tour, you walk in the footsteps of kings, Vikings, bishops and writers.
St. James's Chapel, also known as the Spanish Chapel, was the parish church of the Spanish troops in the 17th century. Inside, the coats of arms still bear witness to that period.
The chapel lies on the route to Compostella and is therefore often visited by pilgrims.