Church of Decay, Belgium

The Church of Decay was an abandoned church near Liege, Belgium. The real name of this location was Eglise Saint-Pierre, located in Grâce-Hollogne. This Neoclassical building had stood here for over 250 years. The church included an older 14th Century Romanesque tower. Ultimately the church was demolished in 2017, only the tower remains.

We visited the Church of Decay just before demolition, during the September 2017 – The Kolossal Tour. Several years ago I had tried, and failed to get inside. Spurred on by the news on the imminent demolition, it was time to try again. Thankfully this time we were able to get inside. Climbing down a rickety ladder, missing many of the rungs.

Brief History of the Church of Decay

Firstly, this site was a cemetery. In the 12th Century, the first incarnation of the church was built. The church had a Romanesque style, made of sandstone and limestone. When it was demolished, the Romanesque tower was preserved. Subsequently, this tower was incorporated into the next iteration. This time the church was of Gothic design.

The Neoclassical Church of Decay featured in my photographs was built in 1756. Subsequently, it was enlarged in 1895. Sadly the church was plagued by dry rot. As a result began to decline quickly. By 1972, the building underwent the first repairs. In addition, an earthquake in 1983 destabilised the building further. In 1999 the public were banned from entering the building. There were studies to ascertain if repair was feasible. Finally, the fate of the church was announced. It would be demolished.

Demolition of Eglise Saint-Pierre, Grâce-Hollogne

The church was demolished in 2017. The Church of Decay had been a popular location. It was much loved by photographers. Because the Romanesque tower was protected, it was saved. The rest of the church was dismantled, brick by brick. Only the tower remains now.