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A magnificent and prestigious treasure

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A 13th century treasure

The Treasure of Oignies, one of the Seven Wonders of Belgium, notably includes 32 remarkable pieces that have been listed as exceptional moveable cultural heritage by the Brussels-Walloon Federation. Most of the pieces in silver are attributed to Hugo d’Oignies and his workshop. The silver collection is completed by Jacques de Vitry’s bequest to the priory, comprising objects from his private chapel. The King Baudouin Foundation now safeguards this collection of inestimable value, which has been entrusted to the Société archéologique de Namur and is exhibited at the TreM.a (Musée des Arts Anciens du Namurois-Trésor d’Oignies).

Project CROMIOSS

Historical tradition would have us believe that the bishop buried at the priory of Oignies in 1241 and the owner of the mitres that form part of the Treasure of Oignies were one and the same person, namely Jacques de Vitry, a religious dignitary and patron, who died in Rome in 1240. Such affirmations, however, have never been proved or disproved. To get to the bottom of this theory, the Archaeological Society of Namur, with support from the King Baudouin Foundation, has launched the CROMIOSS scientific project, which involves crossover research in history and exact science on the mitres and remains of Bishop Jacques de Vitry.

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