After visiting the Belfry and the Cloth Hall located on Markt Square, it is time for another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beautiful medieval Beguinage . To get there, you have to leave the very center of Bruges. Walking south along Wollestrat Street, cross the canal, then turn right onto Dijver Street, which turns into Gruuthusestraat. Here, at the intersection with the main street, Mariastraat, stands the magnificent Church of Our Lady. One of the monuments that cannot be missed. We continue our walk the main Mariastraat, up to the intersection with Wijngaardstraat, which will lead us to the gates of the Beguinage. Previously, about 40 meters before this intersection, on Mariastraat on the right, there is the Diamond Museum.
Beguinage
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Founded in 1245 by the Duchess of Flanders, Margaret of Constantinople, daughter of Prince Baldwin, who conquered Istanbul. The entire complex makes the impression of an independent village, which is entered through one of two gates. This place is full of life because next to tourists you can meet locals living inside. Beguinage, as well as about 50 Benedictine sisters. This order replaced the now defunct congregation of beguines in 1930.
An irregular circle of old people, white plastered buildings are surrounded by a well-kept garden. Even though most of them come from from the 18th century, the overall layout remained unchanged. |
Beguinage Gate, photo. PM
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On December 2, 1998, along with 12 other beguinages in Belgium, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Some buildings have internal gardens. Unfortunately, they cannot be visited because they belong to private individuals. Tourists only have the opportunity to see the church on the grounds of the Beguinage and the beguines' house. Also, a walk along the alleys, among the trees and beautifully maintained buildings of the Beguinage is a wonderful experience.
Beguinage in Bruges, photo. PM
Beguinage in Bruges, photo. PM
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Beguinage in Bruges, photo. PM
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Church of St. Elizabeth |
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A church of simple construction, typical of the Beguinage. Without a transept, with a long chancel. After the fire of 1584 the church rebuilt 20 years later. Around 1700 the interior was rebuilt in the Baroque style. The windows were enlarged, the arches were flattened, and the furniture was renovated. The last renovation of the church took place in 1991.
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Church of St. Elizabeth, photo PM
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Main altar- The baroque altar catches the eye immediately upon entering the church. Part of it is a painting depicting Saint Elizabeth, the patron saint of the Beguinage. and the church, k fearing before the cross. The canvas is the work of Jacob van Oost the Elder (1601-1671). Below there are two sculptures: St. Alexius on the left and on the right the statue of St. Catherine with a wheel. Stalls in the Presbytery were made in the second half of the 17th century, in the Louis XIV style. They are decorated with sculptures of angels and cherub heads. In various places on the floor there are tombstones and commemorative plaques. Pulpit it is probably the work of Jan van Hecke (1699 -1777), a sculptor from Bruges. The four figures on the pulpit are: St. John the Baptist, Jesus, Mary and Saint John the Evangelist. The Gospel has been read from here for centuries. This is symbolized by an angel holding a book. Organs created, in 1754, AJ Berger from Bruges. Side altar- the altar on the right is dedicated to Saint Joseph. His figure is at the top of the altar. At the bottom, under the painting, there is a figurine Our Lady of Consolation, with child. This figure was made in the Romanesque style in 1240 and is the oldest sculpture Mothers Our Lady in Bruges.
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Side altar, left- ob once part of an altarpiece, it depicts Mary's visit to her relative Elizabeth. It was painted by Lodewijk De Deyster (1656-1711), a student of Jan Maes. In the niche above the altar there is a statue of St. Alexei. On the altar stands a wooden sculpture of Saint. Benedict.
At the back of the church there are two paintings: the first Saint Joseph with baby Jesus is attributed to Jacob Van Oost the Younger (1639-1713). The second Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a work created by Theodoor Boeyemans (1620-1678) .
Sisters Benedictine nuns celebrate the liturgy every day. Anyone who wants can participate in the prayers oh.
At the back of the church there are two paintings: the first Saint Joseph with baby Jesus is attributed to Jacob Van Oost the Younger (1639-1713). The second Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a work created by Theodoor Boeyemans (1620-1678) .
Sisters Benedictine nuns celebrate the liturgy every day. Anyone who wants can participate in the prayers oh.
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Museum, Beguines House It is located in a small 17th-century house, on the right side, at the exit from the Beguinage. You can see it here conditions in which veins of the beguines. Presented here is a living room, kitchen, and bedroom with original furniture. You can also see a small but charming collection of lace made by the beguines, and there is a stone well in the garden. Opening hours:
January 1-December 31 Monday-Saturday 10.00-17.00 Sunday 2.30pm-5pm |
Museum in the Beguinage, photo. PM
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Minnewater Park
We end our visit to the Beguinage by exiting through one of the two gates. It is worth stopping here, even for a moment. We are now in Minnewater Park, adjacent to the Beguinage. There is a large pond here called the Lake of Love (apparently from the Dutch minne - love). It is a truly charming place, with lots of swans swimming on the water, the symbol of Bruges. We will also see tourist boats visiting this beautiful area while traveling along the canals. In the past, there was an inner harbor here and a mooring place for boats that sailed between Bruges and and Ghent. There are also many in the area restaurants located in beautiful, historic buildings, and horse-drawn carriages also have their own dock.
Walplein Corner
After leaving Minnewater Park, you should walk along Wijngaardstraat, turn left halfway along it and after a few dozen meters you reach another beautiful corner of Bruges, Walplein. It is a small square with restaurants and pubs. Beer fans will be delighted by the brewery located here. Lace and chocolate lovers will also find something for themselves at Walplein. It is worth visiting this charming corner on the way back to the center of Bruges. This is a place less known among tourists, off the main trail.
Huisbrouwerij De Halve Mann Brewery- h the history of this family brewery begins in 1856. Then Henri Maes becomes the owner of the brewery. Nowadays, his specialty is the medium-strong (7%) dark beer Straffe Hendrik (Henryk Mocny), and its light golden version - Straffe Hendrik Blonde. Guided brewery tours (in Flemish, French and English simultaneously) take place at regular times and last 45 minutes. One group may consist of no more than 50 people.
Brewery in Bruges, photo. PM
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Brewery in Bruges, photo. PM
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