Ghent to Restore Historic St Bavo’s Abbey Ruins

The Flemish government will provide 300,000 euros to restore the ruins of St Bavo’s Abbey in Ghent, Belgium, protecting the medieval site from further deterioration. The city of Ghent is contributing an additional 1 million euros to the project.

Restoration will focus on the walls, preventing damp, cleaning masonry, repairing brickwork, and replacing decaying concrete roofs with steel structures. Plans for the restoration were delayed for two years due to funding and permitting uncertainties.

Currently, the city employs a “soft capping” technique, covering walls with soil and turf, to mitigate damage, a method previously used at St Salvator’s Abbey in Ename. Founded in the 7th century, St Bavo’s Abbey holds historical significance as the location of a marriage between Philip the Bold and Margaret of Male, and was partially demolished in 1540 by Emperor Charles V. Officials expect work to begin next year, ensuring the site remains accessible to the public.