Archaeologists debate
By the end of the 19th century, the collegiate church was showing its age. A major restoration campaign began. The porches, furnishings and stained glass were remodelled in the Neo-Gothic style then in fashion. A major debate arose over the onion dome, setting archaeologists who favoured stylistic unity against defenders of the local picturesque character.
The architect Van Assche wanted to rebuild Gothic towers as they might originally have been intended. In 1903, the responsible minister rejected this proposal, opposing the powerful Royal Commission for Monuments and Sites. His first motivation appears to have been financial, but he also relied on unanimous opinions from the town council, the provincial governor, the Bishop of Namur and, clearly, the majority of the people of Dinant.
The onion dome was therefore restored, strengthened and completely covered with slate.