Aalst (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Aalst’s St. Martin’s Church enters its final restoration phase. Renovations of altars, entrance portal, artworks, and the Van Peteghem organ continue, with reopening and Rubens painting return planned by 2027–2028.
As VRT News reported, Aalst has started the final phase of the restoration of St. Martin’s Church. This is the 10th and last stage of a project that has lasted nearly 25 years. Workers will restore the entrance portal and several altars.
In addition, the church’s interior contains many important works of art that will be restored as well. The timeline for the restoration is likely to last until 2027. The historic Van Peteghem organ will be finished in a future stage scheduled for 2028. The entire project will cost.
“St. Martin’s Church is very important to the people of Aalst,”
said Sarah Smeyers, Alderman for Heritage from N-VA.
“I’m so happy we’re in the final phase. It will be a delight when it’s finished.” It’s already a gem,”
says Pastor-Dean Hans Vanderholen.
“We’ll reopen the church in the second half of 2027.”
“Something you have to wait for a long time gives the most joy.”
Hans Vanderholen, pastor-dean of St. Martin’s Church
What’s next for Aalst’s St. Martin’s church before its reopening?
The church is planning to hold Eucharistic services, concerts, and cultural events that attract visitors from outside the neighbourhood, and even from the city and beyond. Officials say this reopening is significant for Aalst.
The church is also excited for the return of a large painting by Pieter Paul Rubens, dating back to the 17th century. The painting is being restored at the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA), and experts predict the work will be returned as early as 2026.
St. Martin’s Church in Aalst has a rich past. The foundation of the church was laid in 1480, and it was completed in 1660. It was constructed to fulfil the function of a main parish church and bears the characteristics of a Gothic church from that time.
In 1947, a large fire burned the roof and many artworks. Citizens formed a human chain to save the treasures. The church has been restored multiple times over the years. The largest restoration project began in the late 1990s and is currently in its 10th and final phase, projected.
