A neo-Gothic Benedictine abbey founded in 1872 from Beuron, designed by Jean-Baptiste de Béthune and still home to a working community of monks. Its abbey church, built 1876-1891, was given the title of basilica in 1926 and the site receives over 600,000 visitors a year.
What it needs
The basilica has never had a major renovation: its 3,500 m² of roofs carry slates nearly 150 years old, and the cornices, downpipes and zinc and lead work are worn out, with damp and cracks reported. The monks' 'Basilique 2030' project restores the whole exterior (134,000 slates to replace, 6,000 m² of façade) before a later interior phase. Donations go through a dedicated King Baudouin Foundation fund or a 5-euro 'sponsor a slate' page.
Before you act. Works were announced to start in spring 2026. The amount raised in money is not published. Gifts through the King Baudouin Foundation carry Belgian tax relief; ask about deductibility elsewhere.
Last checked 9 November 2026. Responsible body: Fonds Maredsous - Rénovation Basilique de Maredsous, hosted by the King Baudouin Foundation (Fondation Roi Baudouin).
The 'Patersgang', the private wing where the friars live, is outdated and its electrical installation was recently condemned. The friars want to turn the old cells into nine modern rooms with their own sanitation so the house can receive novices and theology students. They are raising 800,000 euros through a heritage account managed by Herita.
The shrinking community is regrouping its living quarters around the cloister: the sisters' rooms, chapter room and library are being renovated, the church made smaller, the shop enlarged and a heat pump, roof insulation and solar panels installed. The renewed church reopened in August 2026; the guesthouse (18 rooms per VRT) closes from 1 November 2026 and is due to reopen early in 2028. Gifts go through a dedicated Herita heritage project, with Belgian tax certificates from EUR 40.
