Ternat (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – St. Gertrude’s Church in Ternat is getting €254,500 in restorations, with €175,000 for its interior. Minister Ben Wets says the 15th‑century Gothic landmark will keep its historic role.
As VRT News reported, the St. Gertrude’s Church in Ternat, a municipality in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, is undergoing a thorough restoration. The Flemish government has already given €70,000 to fix the old west tower. Work will now move to the inside of St. Gertrude’s Church for cracks in the walls, faded paint and years of damage.
What will €254K restoration do for St. Gertrude’s church in Ternat?
According to officials, a total of €175,000 will be used to fix and protect the interior so the church can stay a place for services, weddings, funerals and events in the village. The whole project will cost €254,500 in the end, and the local churchwardenship will pay the part that is not covered by the Flemish government. When all the work is done, the building will look new again, but still keep its Gothic style.
The next stage of work at St. Gertrude’s Church in Ternat will take care of the ceiling and stone inside the church. Many years without repair have left the ceiling dirty, cracked and peeling. These problems will now be fixed. The vaults will be cleaned and patched up, and every crack will be filled to stop more damage in the future.
The brick-red colour on the vaults will be painted again. The arches and stone parts will also be given a new coat of paint. Minister of Immovable Heritage Ben Wets (N-VA) said the church has been the heart of Ternat for centuries, a place where people have gathered for communions, weddings, and to say goodbye to loved ones. He added that this investment will keep the church special and allow it to shine for many more years.
“Nothing is as powerful as preserving our past for the future,”
Says Edward Vander Linden, chairman of the Ternat Church Council.
“With the restoration, we are investing in a heritage that brings residents together.”
In Ternat, St. Gertrude’s Church has stood for more than 5 centuries. The Gothic building, made of sandstone, has been part of the village since the 15th century and is known by everyone who lives there. Over the years, rain, wind and time have slowly damaged the church and left clear marks on its walls and tower.
