Tienen – Flanders is investing €700,000 in the urgent restoration of the 14th-century Church of Our Lady of the Pool in Tienen, announced Flemish Minister of Immovable Heritage Ben Weyts during a recent visit to the historic site on the Grote Markt, reports 24brussels.
The investment aims to address significant stability issues affecting the church, which include major repairs to the roof, facades, and stained-glass windows. The total cost of the restoration project is estimated at €1.3 million, with the Flemish government covering more than half of the expenses. Local authorities emphasize the necessity of these works to safeguard both the structural integrity and cultural heritage of the landmark.
“Anyone who sees this impressive Gothic church in Tienen is immediately transported to an early chapter in the history of Flanders,”
Minister Weyts stated, underscoring the significance of the building. He continued, highlighting the urgency of the financial support: “We want to preserve this magnificent church and are therefore urgently releasing a significant amount of funding. This way, this church can shine in all its glory for decades to come, and the story of Tienen can continue to be told for generations to come.”
What Flanders’ €700K restoration will do for Tienen’s historic church
Alderman for Heritage Gijsbrecht Huts (N-VA) noted that the restoration represents more than merely repairing the structure.
“With the restoration of the Church of Our Lady of the Pool, we are not only restoring the stones, but also the heart of our city,”
he explained. The church tower has been a defining feature of Tienen’s skyline, visible from a distance to all approaching the city. Huts asserted that the restoration aims to ensure the landmark remains safe and accessible for future generations.
The Gothic church, situated on the Grote Markt, dates back to the 14th century and ranks among the city’s most recognized landmarks. Its initial design was by Jean d’Oisy, a French architect instrumental in bringing the Brabantine Gothic style to the region.
Structural elements include a 3-bay choir, a 7-sided apse, and a prominent central tower that has shaped the skyline for centuries. The construction was finished by Jacob van Tienen and Sulpitius van Vorst, known for their contributions to Leuven’s Town Hall as well. In the 17th century, the church tower was adorned with a Baroque onion-shaped spire.
In recent years, the church has encountered grave stability issues, particularly in the choir and side chapels, with noticeable cracks in the stonework rendering parts of the structure unsafe. A storm in 2008 exacerbated these concerns as stones detached from the building, prompting urgent evaluations of the structure’s condition.
