The Saint Peter and Paul Abbey is a true artistic treasure in the heart of the city. And it’s also very unique! The abbey can be visited only once a year, on Whit Monday from 2 to 6 p.m. Discover the ancient tradition of monastic life with the monks during the open day. Members of the Dendermonde guide association will accompany you and tell you about life within the abbey walls.
Benedictine Abbey
The Benedictine Abbey, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, was founded in 1837 by Dendermonde native D. Veremundus D'Haens and one of the last surviving monks of the old Affligem Abbey in Brabant. He settled with his first novice in the former Capuchin monastery (1595–1797).
In 1857, the Dendermonde abbey was united with the Benedictine Congregation of Subiaco. In 1886, the inner buildings of the monastery were rebuilt in Neo-Gothic style; in 1891, a large library was added. A few years later, the old Capuchin church was also demolished and replaced by the current church, in Gothic style, according to the plans of master builder August Van Assche.
Basilica
In 1914, the abbey, like much of the city, was destroyed by war fire. In 1919, restoration work on the church began, along with the construction of a new, larger, and grander abbey in the Flemish Renaissance style, according to the plans of Ghent master builder Valentin Vaerwijck. The first two wings were inaugurated in 1924. The remaining two wings, together with the elegant front building, were completed later.
In 1939, the abbey church was elevated to the dignity of a basilica. The basilica symbols (conopaeum and little bell) are displayed on either side of the high altar, while a commemorative stone at the back of the church marks this elevation.
Open Day
The abbey can be visited only once a year, on Whit Monday from 2 to 6 p.m. Discover the ancient tradition of monastic life with the monks during the open day. Members of the Dendermonde guide association will accompany you and tell you about life within the abbey walls.