The carillon of Tienen (Flemish Brabant) is undergoing a thorough restoration and will soon sound once again as it did in the 18th century. The Flemish government is investing over 1 million euros on its restoration. The carillon is unique: only in Mafra in Portugal does a similar example still exist. On Saturday the good folk of Tienen said a symbolic temporary farewell to the bells during a carillon concert in the town.
It was the Antwerp bell founder Willem Witlockx who cast the carillon in 1723. Today there are only two examples in the world: in Tienen and in Mafra, Portugal. With 54 bells and a total weight of around 7 tonnes, the instrument is also one of the largest in Belgium.
Due to wear and tear and previous repair work, some of the original sound has been lost. The planned restoration aims to restore this. In addition to restoring the bells, the mechanism will be renewed and the automatic playing mechanism for quarter-hour melodies will be overhauled.
At the same time, the tower is being refurbished so that visitors can experience the carillon at close quarters. The bell chamber, the keyboard room and the various floors of the tower will be made more accessible.
Flemish heritage minister Ben Weyts (Flemish nationalist N-VA), who also enjoys special responsibility for the Vlaamse Rand, the Flemish borderlands around Brussels, was keen to try out the bells before they were removed (VIDEO).
The bells will remain in use until this autumn, after which they will go to a bell foundry for restoration.
Work will start as soon as possible and is due to be completed by the end of 2028. The total cost is estimated at 1.17 million euros.