Transformations in Europe’s Unoccupied Churches: From Solemn Prayers to Lively Revelry

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The deserted corners of the erstwhile Sacred Heart Church in Belgium bear testimony to its bygone days, the discarded confessionals serving as a reminder of the numerous sins once confessed within these walls. Outliving their original purpose, the church and its religious booths are slated for a temporary closure.

A two-year plan is in place, during which the church will undergo a metamorphosis, aiming to become a vibrant hub of culture in Mechelen’s heart, a mere whisper away from the Belgian archbishop’s residence. A short distance away, a Franciscan church has been transformed into an opulent hotel, its stained-glass windows silently bearing witness to the wedding night of music sensation Stromae.

As Christianity’s influence wanes over its two-millennia-strong European cradle, numerous churches, chapels, and convents stand vacant, many succumbing to disrepair due to dwindling faith and church attendance over the past fifty years.

The news is bitter, admits Mgr. Johan Bonny, Bishop of Antwerp. However, a nostalgic return to the past is unfeasible. To prevent the increasing dilapidation of these once-sacred edifices, they are now being repurposed into clothing outlets, climbing walls, and even nightclubs.

This phenomenon has swept across the Christian heartlands of Europe, most noticeable in northern Belgium’s Flanders. Despite housing some of Europe’s grandest cathedrals and most exquisite art, the faithful are dwindling. According to a 2018 PEW research group study, only 55% of Belgians raised Christian still identify as such, with a scant 10% attending church regularly.

The lack of local church-goers is so stark that international choir groups often outnumber congregants in these massive structures. Each of Flanders’ 300 towns possesses approximately six churches, most of which struggle to fill even a single one. These buildings have turned into financial burdens, draining town coffers due to their costly upkeep.

Mechelen, a town of 85,000 north of Brussels and Belgium’s Roman Catholic nucleus, is home to two dozen churches, many nestled near the UNESCO World Heritage site, St. Rumbold’s cathedral. Mayor Bart Somers is spearheading efforts to repurpose these buildings.

Somers proudly enumerates the various new functions these buildings have acquired. “We have repurposed churches into breweries, hotels, cultural centers, and libraries, among others, providing them with a fresh lease of life,” he said. As Flemish regional minister, he is involved in the transformation of nearly 350 churches in the densely populated region of 6.7 million people.

One of Belgium’s significant church transformations is Martin’s Patershof hotel in Mechelen, where the interior of a church has been ingeniously converted into hotel rooms, a testament to adaptive reuse. The silence and tranquillity of the church’s past life still pervade the space, providing an oasis of calm for visitors, says hotel manager Emilie De Preter.

However, there are ethical concerns surrounding this trend. “People are sleeping and possibly engaging in intimate activities in a former place of worship,” says Somers. However, he emphasizes his focus on preserving the architectural integrity of these buildings.

In Brussels, the Spirito nightclub, formerly an Anglican church, seems a far cry from what Bishop Bonny envisioned for the repurposing of these sacred spaces. Bonny strongly advocates maintaining churches as spaces for contemplation and reflection, regardless of religious affiliation or lack thereof, and opposes their transformation into supermarkets or discos. He prefers their handover to other Christian communities, like the Coptic or Eastern European communities, as the most successful and fulfilling method of repurposing.

Nonetheless, Bishop Bonny acknowledges that the current situation demands adaptability and a long-term perspective. The future is uncertain, but like the cycles of Christianity’s long history, he remains hopeful. “Every 300 years, we nearly had to start again,” he observed, expressing optimism for the future.

Meanwhile, at Martin’s Patershof, an agreement exists allowing the church to reclaim the building, if necessary. The hotel structures, constructed on steel beams, could be disassembled and removed. Despite the slim chance, De Preter concludes, “If the church wants the building back at any point, it’s possible.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Transformation of European Churches

More about Transformation of European Churches

• “Empty churches find new life as breweries, climbing walls, and nightclubs” – The Guardian
• “Europe’s Empty Churches Are Converted Into Urban Spaces” – Smithsonian Magazine
• “From prayer to pints: The innovative transformation of Europe’s churches” – CNN Travel
• “Adaptive reuse: how Europe’s empty churches are finding new purposes” – Lonely Planet
• “Repurposing Churches in Europe: A Solution to Declining Faith?” – EuroScientist