ANTWERP | Restoration of Sint-Andrieskerk is completed

After 2.5 years, the restoration of the roofs and stained glass windows of the Sint-Andrieskerk or St. Andrew’s Church by the City of Antwerp and its municipal real estate agency AG Vespa is completely finished. This was celebrated in May 2025. The church with its famous lantern tower is now out of the scaffolding and can once again be admired in all its glory.

The large parish church is located in the St. Andrew’s Quarter in the centre of Antwerp. With its late Gothic architectural style and late Baroque tower and interior, it is one of the monumental churches in Antwerp. Thanks to a grant from the Flemish Government, AG Vespa was able to have the restoration work carried out on the outside of this protected monument.

Alderman for Heritage and Tourism and Chairman of AG Vespa Koen Kennis (N-VA): “The late Gothic St. Andrew’s Church with its late Baroque tower is one of the largest churches in Antwerp. Thanks to this thorough renovation, this church will have a longer and beautiful life. The St. Andrew’s Church fits perfectly into the great story of our beautiful Antwerp churches that we want to continue to tell to all possible visitors from near and far.”

Exterior restoration

Contractor Renotec cleaned approximately 3,400 m² of facade, and bad masonry was replaced locally, as well as approximately 2,500 m² of pointing. All stained glass windows, together 775 m², were cleaned and restored in the workshop, and were given secondary glazing as protection against the elements.

The contractor also replaced 4,000 m² of slate roofs and 330 linear meters of gutters.

The copper of all domes has been replaced. This required more than 300 square meters of copper roof cladding. The sphere under the tower cross, the tower cross itself and the weather vane on top have also been restored and regilded.

Alderman for Religious Services Stijn De Rooster (N-VA): “The beautiful St. Andrew’s Church, which radiates timeless beauty both inside and out, is receiving the care and craftsmanship that the church, the parishioners, the neighbourhood and the many visitors deserve. After the beautiful restoration, this monumental church invites even more to take a look inside, rub your eyes and determine that pastor Rudi Mannaerts is absolutely right: the St. Andrew’s Church is a revelation.”

Remarkable find

The crossing tower (small tower at the intersection of the church building) was dismantled and rebuilt, with a new bell frame for the existing bell.

During these works it was established that this bell originated from the carillon of the disappeared Sint-Michielsabdij or St. Michael’s Abbey. It appeared to have been made in 1655 by the Hemony brothers, important bell founders from the Netherlands.

Nest boxes

Just like with the restoration work on the Sint-Jacobskerk or St. James’ Church, swifts were considered, the well-known summer guests that are under pressure due to fewer nesting opportunities. No fewer than 88 swift nest boxes have been provided at the Sint-Andrieskerk.

Neighborhood party

The end of the restoration work was celebrated with an opening party for the residents. On Friday, May 9, they were able to follow a tour of the restoration and toast the beautiful result of the work with a drink.