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There is a delightful story behind the Treasure of Hugo d'Oignies that you will find at the convent of the Sisters of Notre Dame (Couvent des Soeurs de Notre Dame) in Namur, Belgium. The story goes that Friar Hugo made a stunning collection of religious artifacts in gold for a priory in the town of Oignies. The skill and artistry of these pieces is amazing for 13th century goldsmithing. It is said that at end the of the 12th century, Hugo (a goldsmith) arrived in Oignies with his three brothers who were priests. They founded a religious community there and Hugo became a Monk, but still kept his workshop.

The fame of the small community of Oignies increased when Marie d'Oignies, the daughter of a rich and noble family, came to care for lepers. More pilgrims came to the town as a result, and one of them was Cardinal Jacques de Vitry. When he returned from the Holy Land he brought many important relics. Hugo crafted shrines and relic holders so the public could admire them. This treasure seems to have been made around 1230 to 1240, as after 1240 there were no more items added, perhaps due to the death of Hugo. The French Revolution closed the priory and the treasures wound up in the possession of the Sisters of Notre Dame – where they remain today. 

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