Dendermonde – Bricks fell from a chimney at Dendermonde’s Sint-Alexiusbegijnhof, a UNESCO-listed site of 61 houses, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, due to strong winds that loosened part of the masonry, reports 24brussels.
Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, where they cordoned off the area surrounding the house as a safety precaution. Authorities have expressed concerns that additional bricks may still fall, underscoring the urgency of addressing the building’s deteriorating condition.
What is being done to restore Dendermonde’s 61-house UNESCO Beguinage?
The Sint-Alexiusbegijnhof is a focal point for heritage preservation efforts, having been part of the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1998. Continuous deterioration of the walls and chimneys has raised alarm among officials, prompting plans for renovation.
The Flemish Agency for Immovable Heritage allocated a €2.4 million subsidy in 2024 specifically for the restoration of the Sint-Alexiusbegijnhof. This financial support aims to address repairs and conservation of the historic buildings.
Alderman for Heritage Dirk Abbeloos indicated that a comprehensive study has commenced to evaluate the beguinage’s future. “It will look at what will happen to the site in the years ahead,” he stated. “The study is almost finished. Progress may seem slow, but that is partly due to the available funding.”
Established in the late 13th century, the Sint-Alexiusbegijnhof features a courtyard built in 1288. It consists of 61 houses and is one of 13 Flemish beguinages recognized by UNESCO. Since planning and negotiations for restoration began in 2000, progress has been hampered by funding and planning challenges.
