The metamorphosis from church to 4-star hotel

It’s an art to convert a house of worship into a hotel. Martin’s wanted to preserve the past and still meet the expectations of today’s demanding traveller. It is generally acknowledged that Martin’s Patershof has achieved a fine balance between these two – the hotel can receive travellers looking for an out-of-the-ordinary stay in an exclusive historic setting in ideal circumstances. 

The history of Martin’s Patershof began around 1231. The Friar Minors, a Franciscan order, were established in Mechelen at that time – and they were to take an active part in the local life for almost 600 years. 

But at the end of the 18th century, the Friar Minors (as well as all of the clergy for that matter) were driven out of the city by the French revolutionists. Later, the religious orders – including the Friar Minors – were again permitted to return to Mechelen. They decided to build a new cloister, in neo-Gothic style, in the Heihoekwijk. Their church was constructed under the watchful eye of the Antwerp architect Paul Stoop.

During World War II the church was temporarily requisitioned by the Germans. Afterwards, the Friar Minors carried out various renovations and reconstructions, until, at the end of the 1990s, they decided to sell the buildings. In 1999, the complex was deconsecrated and turned into a residential area with gardens by an estate agent. 

In 2006, the Martin’s Hotels Group applied for a building permit in order to transform the former church into a 4-star hotel – this ambitious project is unique in Belgium. In June 2009, Martin’s Patershof opened its doors to welcome travellers from all over the world into an extraordinary setting.