An Adventure at Height: Maintenance of St. Rumbold’s Cathedral

Maintenance of St. Rombouts Cathedral: In recent weeks, you couldn’t miss it: St. Rombouts Cathedral, the icon of Mechelen, was once again under scaffolding. Mechelenians looked up curiously and wondered, “What’s happening again? Are there problems with the roof?” When I got the chance to take a look myself at 43 meters high, I didn’t hesitate for a moment. Because let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to stand on the roof of this majestic cathedral?

With Kneaky Knees into the Heights

Together with a handful of journalists, my adventure began with a thorough safety briefing – helmet on, and off we went, up those scaffolds! Although the craftsmen are used to working at such dizzying heights, I must admit that my knees were shaking a little. Step by step, we climbed higher, along wobbly ladders and narrow corridors. The reward? A breathtaking view of Mechelen that you can only experience from the roof of the cathedral.
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A look Behind the Scenes

During my visit, I spoke with several experts. One of them was architect Thomas Feyen of Karuur Architects. He told me passionately about the unique challenges of this project. “Replacing the lead gutters with copper ones is a delicate job,” he said. “This is because copper has a different expansion than lead, so we have to take into account possible movements.“

I also spoke with Jan De Haes, Deputy for Real Estate Heritage Province of Antwerp. He emphasized the importance of this restoration to our cultural heritage. “St. Rombouts Cathedral is more than just a building,” he said. “It is a symbol of our history and our identity. With this restoration, we are not only giving the cathedral a new future, but also honoring the craftsmanship of our ancestors.”

Time for Major Maintenance

The cathedral ‘s roofs received their last major refurbishment in the 1970s and 1980s. Now, 35 years later, it is high time for a thorough maintenance. The province of Antwerp is investing no less than 1,695,000 euros to keep this Mechelen pride in top condition. It’s not just about restoring the natural slates on the roof, but also about ensuring that future inspections can proceed more smoothly and, above all, more safely. Therefore, ladder hooks, climbing hooks and inspection hatches are being installed. This makes it easier to inspect roofs from now on – a smart move for the future!

Working up to 73 meters High

The restoration work is taking place at different levels. The lower roofs are tackled using scaffolding and lifts, while the craftsmen use rope techniques for the higher parts, such as the roof of the nave at a height of 46 metres. The roof of the crossing tower? That is at a whopping 73 metres high! A lifting platform is used here to bring these craftsmen to the right place. For them it is daily bread, but for a layman like me it was an adventure never to be forgotten.

Safety First – For Now and Later

In addition to repairing the roofs, safety is an important aspect of the works. Anchor points are being installed so that Monumentenwacht can safely perform inspections in the future. Because let’s be honest, you want to maintain a cathedral of this size well for the generations that come after us, don’t you?

From Lead to Copper

Although the cathedral’s roof is in good condition, there are still many minor repairs needed. For example, the old lead gutters are being replaced with copper ones, so that the roof remains waterproof even during heavy rain showers. The removal of asbestos, which was found under some gutters, is also a crucial step in keeping the cathedral safe.
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Dormer windows in a New Guise

Another striking aspect of the renovation is the restoration and repainting of the dormer windows. As I went up in the work lift, it felt like I was traveling back in time. The cathedral, with its Gothic architecture and rich history, is a living monument. Every stone, every sculpture tells a story about the past. Historical color research should reveal which colors were originally used, so that the cathedral can regain its former glory. The woodwork of the chapels is also being restored where necessary, and soon they will all receive a fresh coat of paint.

How were construction plans realised in the past?

Although it may seem unimaginable to us, our ancestors had some very ingenious methods to accomplish their building plans:

• Detailed drawings: Architects and master builders used detailed drawings and sketches. These were often made on a large scale so that everyone could easily understand the plans.
• Models: Scale models were often made of the project to be built. These models gave a good idea of the final shape and proportions of the building.
• Measuring Instruments: People used simple measuring instruments such as compass, ruler and level to take accurate measurements.
• Experience and craftsmanship: Master builders and craftsmen had accumulated tremendous knowledge and experience over generations. They could often judge whether something was right based on their eye and feeling.
• Help from nature: Ropes and lead weights were often used in determining straight lines. The position of the sun was also used to determine the orientation of the building.
• Cooperation: Building a cathedral was a huge undertaking that could only be realized through the efforts of many people. Good organization and cooperation among the various craftsmen was essential.

How did they get to Altitude?

To work at heights, people used different techniques:

• Scaffolding: Scaffolding was built of wood and was used to access higher parts of the building.
• Ladders: Long ladders made of wood or rope were used to reach even higher places.
• Pulleys: Pulleys were used to hoist heavy materials upward.
• Crane Rooms: In many cathedrals, including St. Rombouts Cathedral, there are crane rooms in the tower. From these chambers, large cranes could be operated to hoist up building materials.

The Importance of the Master Builder

The master builder was the key figure in the construction of a cathedral. He was responsible not only for the design, but also for the execution of the work. The master builder had a thorough knowledge of the construction techniques and the available materials. He worked closely with the craftsmen and ensured that the project went according to plan.

Although the construction of a cathedral in the Middle Ages was a huge challenge, the master builders had an impressive knowledge and skill. Their craftsmanship and creativity resulted in countless beautiful buildings that still command admiration today.

Curious for More? Follow My Vlog!

The major maintenance of the cathedral will continue until the spring of 2025, and in the meantime it’s a real spectacle to see these craftsmen at work. If you’re curious to see more, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, Traveltopper. There I will soon take you behind the scenes for a unique look at the restoration work – from the roof of St. Rombouts Cathedral itself!

Text, photos and video Verschueren Eddy for Mechelen at its Best