Murals that are more than 800 years old have been uncovered during renovation work at Park Abbey in the Flemish Brabant town of Leuven. The murals were concealed under a layer of plaster.
The major restoration of Park Abbey in Leuven is nearing completion. The 15-year project got under way in 2011 and should be completed in 2026. By then the historic abbey will have been fully restored.
The final restoration phase of the east wing and the infirmary is currently being completed. The east wing will be converted into living quarters for the Premonstratensians and seminarians that are studying at Leuven University (KU Leuven). The ground floor and attic of the east wing will house a museum and meeting room.
The most striking news from the restoration work thus is undoubtedly the discovery of 13th-century murals in the chapter house, treasury, stairwell, church wall, the archives and other locations at the abbey.
“Mural of Moses and his brother Aaron”
The Leuven city alderman Dirk Vansina (Christian democrat) told VRT News that “During the restoration murals were found under the plaster. These are very beautiful, colourful murals. They are well preserved, but the colours have faded a bit. You can still recognise Biblical scenes in them though. For instance, there is a mural where Moses is depicted with his brother Aaron.”
It is not inconceivable that there are more murals concealed at the abbey. Mr Vansina told VRT News that “We are going to see if we can uncover these too and then restore them so that they can be seen by the general public.”