The Flemish government is providing 300,000 euros to protect the medieval site containing the ruins of St Bavo’s Abbey in Ghent from further decay. The money will be used to restore the walls and implement measures to prevent damp ingress. The city of Ghent is already contributing 1 million euros towards the restoration work.
Plans for the future of St Bavo’s Abbey were announced two years ago, but uncertainty surrounding grants and planning permission meant they could not yet get underway. Now that it is clear how much the Flemish government is prepared to invest, the work should, in principle, be able to start next year.
In the meantime, the city is using a technique whereby soil and turf are placed on top of the old walls to prevent further damage. This system is called ‘soft capping’ and has previously been used in Ename to protect the remains of the historic 11th-century St Salvator’s Abbey.
What is happening?
The actual restoration work, for which the budgets have now been finalised, goes much further. For example, the historic natural stone masonry and brickwork will be cleaned. Furthermore, damaged bricks will be replaced and repointed, and cracks in the brickwork will be repaired. In addition, the top levels of the walls will be re-covered with clay tiles to better keep out damp.
The stability of the portal on the former façade of the burial chapel will also be addressed. The concrete roofs that were installed above some rooms in the past are showing signs of decay and will be replaced by a steel structure.
A rich history
St Bavo’s Abbey is one of Ghent’s best-known historical sites. It was founded in the 7th century by Amandus of Maastricht. It was here that Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy and Count of Flanders married Margaret of Male. In 1540, Emperor Charles V had large sections of it demolished to punish the people of Ghent on account of an uprising.
‘St Bavo’s Abbey is deeply rooted in the DNA and identity of the people of Ghent,’ says Christophe Peeters, Ghent alderman for Heritage ‘It’s not there to be locked away; it must be a living part of our city,’ he told VRT News.
“In the ruins of St Bavo’s, you can really soak up the history of Flanders, but it is also a vulnerable site,” adds Flemish Minister for Immovable Heritage Ben Weyts (Flemish nationalist N-VA). “We are taking action now so that the people of Ghent and anyone else who is interested can continue to visit this place for a long time to come.”