Diest church closes again after new plaster damage

The historic Sint-Catharinakerk in Diest's beguinage has been temporarily closed once more, just days after reopening. The decision by the city council followed the discovery of new damage to the plasterwork on Sunday.

This marks the second unexpected closure of the 14th-century church this year. In March, the church was shut after plaster detached from the ceiling. Following an expert investigation, repairs were carried out by a certified contractor under the supervision of a restoration architect. The church doors reopened on June 1st.

However, only six days later, city officials noted fresh, minor damage to the plaster. This prompted the immediate and indefinite closure of the church. The current condition is under investigation.

During the closure, the city council is exploring alternatives for planned activities. As part of the Diest Museum Sundays, the Sint-Catharinakerk, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was to be accessible free of charge. To compensate, the opening hours of the nearby Begijnhuisje and the Grauwzusters museum will be temporarily extended.