Diest completes renovation of historic Sint-Sulpitius Church

Diest is celebrating the completion of the extensive renovation of its Sint-Sulpitius Church, located on the Grote Markt. After 18 months of meticulous work, the valuable monument, constructed from distinctive iron sandstone, has been fully restored.

Alderman Jeroen Overmeer highlighted the thoroughness of the restoration, stating, "Literally every stone, and also the joints between them, were examined and renovated if necessary. But the spires, statues, and balustrades were also repaired." The project focused significantly on the southern side of the church, which is considered one of Diest's most beautiful monuments.

In addition to the structural elements, several stained-glass windows received specialized attention. Each glass panel was individually dismantled, cleaned, and restored in a dedicated workshop. The use of iron sandstone is characteristic of the region, and the church itself is a prime example of Demergothic architecture, with its construction concluding in the 16th century.

Overmeer expressed pride in the restored monument, noting its importance as a tourist attraction for the city. The total cost of the renovation project amounted to 900,000 euros. Of this sum, 300,000 euros were covered by subsidies from the Agency for Immovable Heritage, underscoring a collaborative effort to preserve the historic site.