Grupello Park and Golden Christ Statue

Grupello Park and Golden Christ Statue

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Grupello Park and Golden Christ Statue

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Location: Geraardsbergen, Aalst, East Flanders, Flanders, Belgium

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July 11, 2025

Hiking

At the foot of the Oudenberg lies the steep Grupellopark. It owes its name to the renowned Baroque sculptor Gabriel Grupello, who was born in Geraardsbergen in 1644. He built a career in Brussels, Düsseldorf, and Vienna. Grupellopark, designed in the English landscape style, is the steepest park in Flanders. The slope is parallel to that of the Wall. From the park, you have a magnificent view of the city center.

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Viviane

July 11, 2025

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The Sacred Heart statue at the very top of Grupello Park is a monumental war memorial, erected in 1920 in gratitude for the end of the First World War and the city's preservation.

The gilded bronze statue, designed by sculptor Oscar Sinia and architect Valentin Vaerwyck, stands on a bluestone plinth bearing the Geraardsbergen coat of arms and the inscription "Geraardsbergen aan het H. Hart 1914-1918."

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Viviane

July 11, 2025

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Thorough restoration of the statue and the site

After more than a century, the Sacred Heart statue had suffered from the effects of time and nature. Out of love for our heritage and to preserve it for future generations, a thorough restoration of the statue and the entire site began in 2023, and was restored with care and respect.

The gilding had deteriorated, cracks in the plinth, and damage to the walls, stairs, and railings detracted from its dignity and appearance. The plinth was completely dismantled and rebuilt, and all components were sandblasted.

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