Skeletons and Tombs Found in Paterskerk Renovation, Halle

Workers renovating the 17th-century Paterskerk (Fathers’ Church) in Halle, Belgium, have uncovered the skeletal remains of 14 individuals and two burial vaults beneath the church floor, prompting an archaeological investigation that promises to shed new light on the site’s medieval history. The discovery was made approximately 50 days into a €4.3 million restoration project that began on February 16, 2026.

Discovery Amidst Renovation

According to VRT NWS, the Flemish public broadcaster, the remains were found as workers excavated the floor to install modern infrastructure, including geothermal heating and ventilation systems. The skeletons have since been transferred to a provincial depot for further analysis.

“We don’t yet know who these people were or how old they are. That will have to be determined by the investigation,” said Sven Pletincx (N-VA), Alderman for Heritage for the City of Halle. “We suspect they were buried there around the old church that stood there before the current Paterskerk was built. The Volpestraat also ran differently at that time.”

A Church with a Rich History

The Paterskerk was originally built as part of a Recollettenklooster (Recollects Monastery), with construction beginning in 1627. The Friars Minor (Franciscans) took up residence in the mid-19th century, giving the church its popular name. The building suffered a major fire in 1868, after which a new nave was added, and underwent further modifications around 1900 and in 1964 following the Second Vatican Council.

After the Friars Minor left in 2013, the church stood largely vacant. It briefly served as an indoor skatepark in 2019 and hosted concerts, exhibitions, and community events. In 2017, Belgian artists Bart Smeets and Steve Locatelli transformed the interior with striking street art murals, creating what was described as a “fairy-tale jungle” that respected the building’s contemplative tradition.

The Renovation Project

The current restoration, which the City of Halle describes as a transformation into a multifunctional public space, includes €678,000 in subsidies from Onroerend Erfgoed (the Flemish Heritage Agency). The central nave will become an “overdekt plein” (covered square) open to the public daily, suitable for lectures, performances, and neighborhood gatherings. Side aisles will house a bar, warming kitchen, and storage spaces for local associations.

The project also features geothermal heat pumps, underfloor heating, a 20,000-liter rainwater tank, and full accessibility upgrades including step-free access and an elevator. The church is expected to reopen in summer 2027.

Archaeological Significance

The location of the burials beneath the church floor suggests these individuals were likely of some social standing, as burial within churches was historically reserved for clergy, nobility, or wealthy patrons. The remains may predate the current 17th-century structure, pointing to an earlier religious building on the site.

Halle has a history of significant archaeological finds. In 2017, an excavation at Beestenmarkt uncovered a burial ground with approximately 200 skeletons, which were studied to learn about the lives of historical residents of the city. The current discovery adds another layer to this archaeological record.

Analysis and Next Steps

Archaeologists will conduct carbon dating and osteological analysis to determine the age, sex, health status, and potential cause of death of the individuals. The investigation may also reveal whether an older church once stood where the Paterskerk now sits, and whether further remains lie beneath the floor.

“Despite the complex drilling in the rocky soil, the works are currently on schedule,” Pletincx noted, adding that the archaeological investigation will take precedence before renovation work can resume in the affected areas.

The discovery highlights the delicate balance between modern development and heritage preservation—a challenge the city of Halle is navigating with its ambitious €4.3 million project to give the historic Paterskerk a new lease on life for the 21st century.