Colourful 13-century murals discovered at Park Abbey in Leuven

03/10/2024

A restoration campaign for the 1129 Norbertine Abbey in Heverlee, near Leuven, uncovered a striking and colourful find.

In 2011, Park Abbey launched a major phased restoration campaign of its buildings and landscapes, in which respect for the past goes hand in hand with enthusiasm for innovation. Appropriate building materials are combined with modern techniques. As the restoration of certain buildings and landscape features was completed, they were given a new role, reinstated or opened to the public. These include the museum and expertise centre for religious art and culture, the 2.2 km-long walls, the microbrewery, making the Library of Voices music manuscripts digitally accessible, the south wing, salons and rooms of the abbot, the farmhouse with outbuildings, the farm store with organic vegetables, fruits and local products, etc. The east wing and infirmary are now on the way and everything should be ready in 2027. 

Remarkable discovery 

A valuable find was made during the restoration of the chapter house, treasury, stairwell, church wall and archives, among others. Under a layer of plaster, although somewhat faded, some colourful murals of Biblical scenes from the 13th century emerged. One of them shows the prophet Moses, with his brother Aaron. After the restoration, these and others that may yet come to light will likely be on display to the general public.