Open Churches Days at
Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Hemelvaart

Around 1180, a house of prayer dedicated to Our Lady, probably originally a chapel of the parish of Oostkerke, arose on the southern side of Damme. The growth of the town necessitated the establishment of a new parish and the construction of a new church. The house of prayer was transformed into an early Gothic three-aisled basilical cruciform church with west tower around 1210-1225. Extensions followed in the 13th and 14th centuries due to population growth.

In 1578, the church was plundered by the Geuzen but 14th-century apostle statues and the late Gothic rood screen were spared. Restoration followed between 1621 and 1626.

The poor condition of the church, the lack of funds for a thorough restoration and the decay of the city that caused population decline prompted a partial demolition of the church. In 1704, discussions arose between the church and civil authorities whose admission was required. A compromise was finally approved by the Great Council of Mechelen on 17 March 1725. The same year, the transept and nave were demolished, as well as the spire in 1727. Two walls of the nave were retained for the sake of stability and support for the tower. The side choirs were closed off with new west walls and a large porch was built in front of the middle choir, enclosing the lower part of the old rood screen. Money was collected throughout the diocese to pay for the works.

The church was restored again, first between 1890 and 1895 and later between 1902 and 1904. The plaster was removed from the brick and medieval wall paintings were lost. No worship services are held in this church in anno 2018.

Source: Wikipedia