The statutes, as approved by the Empress, were made stricter in the 18th century as regards the requirement for the canonesses to prove their noble status.

The exterior of the church is a fine example of Brabantine Gothic architecture, parts are built by Matheus de Layens.

The interior contains important artworks, including sculptures by Jacques du Broeucq and paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, Floris de Vriendt, Theodoor van Thulden, Otto Venius and Michiel Coxie.

He taught his eldest son François-Joseph Fétis, a famous Belgian musician, who showed talent as an organist from a young age.

[5] A large instrument, capable of a wide range of repertoire, the St Waltrude organ was the subject of a major restoration at the beginning of the 21st century involving Klais Orgelbau.