[4] The original chapel was destroyed in an invasion by the Netherlands during the Eighty Years' War, but it was subsequently rebuilt on a larger scale thanks to the many donations and endowments from pilgrims.

The architects are probably Guilliam or Willem de Bruyn [fr], who also who took part in the reconstruction of the Grand-Place/Grote Markt (Brussels' main square), and the sculptor Hendrik Frans Verbruggen.

[7][3] In 1848, the interior of the porch and the rood screen for the organ were fitted out,[2] and in 1852, a chapel was built onto the northern aisle to house the statuette of Notre Dame du Bon Succès (see below).

[2][3] The rectangular portal, surrounded by Doric columns, is surmounted by an entablature supporting a triangular tympanum and a slightly recessed panel bearing the inscription "LAUS TUA / IN FINES TERRAE" ("Praised unto the end of the world", Psalm 47).

[10][7] The bell tower, whose central part is aligned with the portal, features a niche decorated in 1857 with a relief of a Madonna by the sculptor van Aerendonck (replacing an older statue of Our Lady from 1843), as well as curved side bays with rectangular windows.

Mary is standing on a crescent moon, with one foot treading on the head of a serpent, corresponding to the depiction of the Woman of the Apocalypse from the Book of Revelation on the one hand, and reflecting the Immaculate Conception on the other.

[11][7] The aisles adjoin the sides of the façade and a stone balustrade runs around the tower, which is capped by a copper dome and octagonal lantern with louvers and clock, bearing the cross (1828).

[16] Another polychrome wooden statuette of a Madonna and Child (Sedes Sapientiae) has found a home in the church; it is said to bring good luck in games of chance and in examinations.

Due to the large number of faithful who came to pray to Notre Dame du Bon Succès ("Our Lady of Good Fortune"), a side chapel was built in 1852 to house it.