Monastery Broeders Alexianen

Description
The alexians had settled in Tienen since about 1340. After the destruction of their first monastery, behind the refuge of Heylissem, they were granted permission to move into the "Oude Mannekens huys" of the Veldbornstraat. In 1660 the management of the latter institution was transferred to the cell brothers. The buildings were largely reconstructed in the 17th century and expanded during the 18th century. Together with the other orders, this of the alexians was lifted during the French Revolution; the goods were sequestered in favor of the Board of the Guest Houses but already returned to the alexians in 1801; the buildings were then partly reorganized as an orphanage.

The listed parts must include:

Chapel
One-scaled building with sandstone parement (built after the apse) in Louis XVI style and dated 1773 on the keystone of the entrance gate. Classicistic volume of the eight bays long ship, rhythmized by wide round arch windows with a strongly protruding and profiled keystone.

Spacious interior with composite pilasters, main frame and wooden barrel vault with stucco, supported by successive belt arches. Ugly polychromy.

Mobilair. On a longitudinal side, paintings from the 18th century that testify to the still ongoing Rubensian influence.

Monastic buildings
To the right of the chapel, part of the two-storey high monastery buildings dating from the second half of the 18th century. Brick construction enriched with sandstone. Beautiful profiled, but somewhat stocky Louis XV gate (partly reused and adapted elements?). Present cloister leaning against the rear wall of the chapel. The original wing was extended to the right in 1956.

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