Nazareth Abbey, Brecht, Belgium

What it is

An abbey of Trappistine nuns on the Brecht heath north of Antwerp, which supports itself through a guesthouse and the sale of soaps and other monastic products.

What it needs

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.

Before you act. Herita states EUR 1,500,000 to be raised but publishes no running total. The abbey also has Dutch ANBI status for gifts from the Netherlands.

Sources

Last checked 9 November 2026. Parts of this entry could not be fully confirmed; see the note above. Responsible body: Herita heritage account, project GIFT 110-001-296 (Abdij O.L.Vr. van Nazareth).

Other houses to consider

Denée, Belgium

Maredsous Abbey

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.

Status: Appeal open
Works budget: €2.5m
Community: In residence
Order: Benedictine
Founded: 1872

Ghent, Belgium

Discalced Carmelite Monastery, Ghent

The 'Patersgang', the private wing where the friars live, is outdated and its electrical installation was recently condemned.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.

Status: Appeal open
Campaign target: €800k
Community: In residence
Order: Discalced Carmelite
Founded: 1653