On Vlasmarkt, in the heart of Dendermonde, stands the abbey church. In 1939, it was elevated to the status of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
The basilica is known for its impressive Advent and Christmas nativity scene, which is set up every winter. The basilica is also associated with St Peter and St Paul’s Abbey, which is open to visitors only once a year, on Whit Monday.
The Benedictine Abbey, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, was founded in 1837 by D. Veremundus D’Haens, a native of Dendermonde, and one of the last surviving monks of the ancient Abbey of Affligem in Brabant. He settled with his first novice in the former Capuchin monastery (1595–1797).
In 1857, the abbey in Dendermonde joined the Benedictine Congregation of Subiaco. In 1886, the inner courtyard of the monastery was rebuilt in the Neo-Gothic style, and in 1891 a spacious library was added. A few years later, the old Capuchin church was also demolished and replaced by the present Gothic-style church, built according to the plans of architect August Van Assche.
In 1914, the abbey, like most of the city, was destroyed by a fire caused by the war. In 1919, restoration work on the church began, along with the construction of a new, larger and more imposing abbey in the Flemish Renaissance style, based on plans by Ghent architect Valentin Vaerwijck. The first two wings were inaugurated in 1924. The remaining two wings, together with the elegant entrance building, were completed later.
In 1939, the abbey church was elevated to the status of a basilica. The insignia of a basilica (the conopeum and the bell) are displayed on either side of the high altar, while a commemorative stone at the back of the church recalls this elevation.
The abbey is open to visitors only once a year, on Whit Monday from 2 pm to 6 pm. Discover the age-old tradition of monastic life during the open day. Members of the Dendermonde tour guides’ association will accompany you and tell you about life within the abbey walls.