School van de zusters van Liefde van Jezus en Maria
Explore the ‘School van de Zusters van Liefde van Jezus en Maria’. This historic site was once part of the convent of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary. Built in 1867, the school served the community for over 150 years before being partly demolished in 2023. The school is situated at Zaffelare-Dorp in Belgium.
Before 1860, Zaffelare had little focus on education. From 1839 to 1850, there was no municipal school. This changed in 1866-1867 under Mayor Eugène Lippens. He built two large classrooms and a grand teacher’s house. The primary school, located in the right wing on the street, dates back to 1867. The left school building likely dates from around 1880. This school was part of a larger complex, including a convent and nursing home.
Changes Over Time
The school complex has undergone numerous transformations. Initially, it consisted of a nursery school, primary and secondary school, and a retirement home. As time passed, it also evolved to incorporate a public library and a tuition-free primary school for both boys and girls. In 2018, the old monastery on the premises was demolished. A new nursery and primary school called ‘De Wegwijzer’ has been constructed adjacent to the old school complex. The monastery and care home have relocated to a new complex situated behind the abandoned school.
Recent Developments
Due to the poor condition of the building, the Heritage Agency allowed the demolition of the rear extension with classrooms. The remaining buildings are not protected, but are listed in the architectural heritage inventory. The local government wants the schoolmaster’s house preserved for the future. The other listed school building were transformed into five houses and 49 apartments in 2024. Although many of the original buildings have been lost, the remaining structures have been repurposed into residences and apartments, ensuring that its heritage will endure. I visited the school complex in 2022.
