Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Smartenkerk
Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Smartenkerk stands in Merksem, a district of Antwerp, as a parish church with a circular brick hall. Joseph Louis Steynen designed the building, giving its moderately modern main space a gallery that runs around the interior. A tower on the southwest side adds a more traditional architectural form.
The parish began in 1923 and worshipped in a temporary church until the permanent building rose between 1957 and 1959. Its northeast orientation, circular plan and surrounding gallery reflect post-war approaches to communal worship, while the tower connects the building with older church traditions. Inside, the gallery opens views towards the altar and gives the hall room for larger gatherings.
The dedication to Our Lady of Sorrows links the church with devotion to the seven sorrows of Mary. Brick, a round interior and a contrasting tower bring that history into view through the building itself.
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