WWII Bomb Damage Plagues Historic Leuven Church, Restoration Underway

The historic Sint-Geertruikerk in Leuven, Belgium, faces ongoing stability problems stemming from damage inflicted during World War II. A recent study confirmed the issues, prompting Flanders to invest in crucial foundation reinforcements.

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The Sint-Geertruikerk is one of the monumental churches of Leuven. With this investment, we ensure that the church stands firm again and at the same time, we learn more about the history of the church and of Leuven.

The planned works include strengthening pillars and installing pile foundations and foundation beams. The total cost is estimated at 124,000 euros, with Flanders, through the Agency for Immovable Heritage, covering approximately 70% of the expense. The local church board will fund the remainder.

Minister of Heritage Ben Weyts highlighted the church's significance as one of Leuven's monumental buildings. "With this investment, we ensure the church stands firm again and at the same time, we learn more about the history of the church and of Leuven," he stated. The church, built around 1220 as an abbey church, still bears the scars of a British bombing raid in May 1940, which was intended for a railway yard two kilometers away.

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The building still groans under the considerable war damage inflicted in May 1940 by a British bombing raid, which was actually intended for the marshalling yard, 2 kilometers away.

Axel Buyse, chairman of the church board, pointed to the WWII bombing as the culprit behind the current problems. The church hopes to be in optimal condition by 2030, coinciding with Leuven's year as European Capital of Culture.

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In 2030, when Leuven is European Capital of Culture, we hope to get the church back in top condition.