Wednesday 15 April 2026
The renovation works on the façades of the Saint-Joseph Church, on Frère-Orban Square, have been completed. This was announced by Ans Persoons, Secretary of State for Urban Renewal and Heritage. This large-scale project in the heart of the European Quarter was largely financed with regional subsidies from urban.brussels.
“The St. Joseph's Church, in the heart of the European Quarter, is shining once more. Statuary, ironwork, doors, carpentry, stonework, and facade elements have been restored according to the rules of the art thanks to the heritage protection support from urban.brussels. This church is once again becoming a landmark in the city and reminds us that this district was not always home to European institutions. The district was originally the result of Brussels” urban expansion after the Belgian Revolution. This project once again illustrates the importance of our investments in heritage. Both for its enhancement and for its transmission to future generations of Bruxellois," emphasises Ans Persoons.
An exemplary restoration and conservation philosophy
Over the years, various elements of the building (including the main facade in Écaussinnes bluestone, the carpentry and the ironwork) had suffered significant damage. The restoration project commenced in 2024.
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The main interventions were:
- the restoration of the stone facades, with targeted interventions on weakened structural elements;
- the removal of the spire blocks to allow for the replacement of the existing metal framework;
- the restoration and reinstallation of the statues;
- the restoration of the joinery, including the entrance gates;
- the full restoration of the ironwork on the entrance gates.
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In total, 17 statues and a cross were restored by a specialist sculptor. The wooden doors, the clock and the metal elements were restored with respect for traditional crafts.
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The works adhered to a strict approach to heritage preservation: intervening “as much as necessary, as little as possible”. The restoration made it possible to reinforce damaged parts, while preserving the authenticity of the building and the safety of its users.
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Urban.brussels supervised the project from the preparatory phase, in close collaboration with the client and the architectural firm, and subsequently oversaw the construction site together with all parties involved.
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An important regional investment
The Brussels-Capital Region supported this project with several subsidies, totalling more than 4 million euros. This investment demonstrates the region's commitment to enhancing and transferring heritage.
A church inspired by the Trinità dei Monti in Rome
The Saint Joseph's Church is a remarkable work by architect Tilman-François Suys and was strongly inspired by the church of Trinità dei Monti in Rome. It was built between 1842 and 1849 and stands as a valuable testament to the architectural and spiritual history of the capital.
Dedicated to Saint Joseph, the patron saint of Belgium, the church has had varying uses throughout the years. It was used by the Redemptorists and the Syriac Orthodox community (1989-2001) among others, until it reopened its doors for traditional Catholic worship.
The facades and roofs of St. Joseph's Church have been classified as a monument and hold exceptional heritage value since 1981.