The neoromaanse Zoutekerk, a cherished landmark in Knokke-Heist, stands as a testament to early 20th-century architecture. Built in the 1920s, this white-painted church blends harmoniously with the surrounding villas, reflecting the vision of the Compagnie and the local community. On 2025-07-08 17:35:00, the church’s caretakers announced a crucial fundraising effort to preserve this historic site.
- Neoromaanse Zoutekerk gebouwd in jaren 20
- Bisdom wilde grote kerk, Compagnie bewaarde harmonie
- Pand bijgebouwd in 1929 voor capaciteit
- Kerk wit geschilderd volgens villa-stijl
- Orde bezit kerk en draagt onderhoudskosten
- Fundraising gestart voor schilderwerk van 2700 m²
Originally designed to be larger, the church was scaled back to maintain the harmony of Het Zoute. A 1929 extension addressed summer capacity issues, but now the century-old building faces significant maintenance challenges. With the paint peeling after 25 years, the order responsible for the church is seeking donations to cover the costly restoration.
How can such an iconic structure continue to serve its community without sufficient funding? And what does this mean for local heritage preservation? These questions highlight the urgency behind the current campaign.
Maintaining a 100-year-old church by the sea is no small feat. The order relies on public generosity to fund essential upkeep, especially since coastal conditions accelerate wear and tear. Key points include:
- The church’s 2,700 m² exterior requires repainting, with paint costing €50 per m².
- As a mendicant order, funding depends entirely on donations.
- Preserving the church supports local cultural identity and tourism appeal.
Will the local community rise to preserve this architectural gem? Supporting the fundraising campaign not only safeguards the Zoutekerk but also strengthens Belgium’s rich cultural tapestry for years to come.
