After visiting the Belfry and the Cloth Hall, located on the Markt square, it's time for the next monument from the UNESCO List, beautiful medieval Beguinage. To get there, you have to leave the center of Bruges. Going south along Wollestrat Street, cross the canal, then turn right into Dijver Street, which goes into Gruuthusestraat. Here at the intersection with the main street Mariastraat there is a magnificent church of the Virgin Mary. One of the monuments that can not be overlooked. We continue our walk main Mariastraat, up to the intersection with Wijngaardstraat, which will lead us to the gates of Beguinage. Earlier, about 40 meters before this intersection, on Mariastraat street on the right, there is the Museum of Diamonds.
Beguinage
Founded in the year 1245 by the duchess of Flanders, Mary Constantinople, the daughter of Prince Baldwin, who conquered Istanbul. The entire complex gives the impression of an independent village, where one of the two gates is entered. This place is teeming with life, because next to tourists you can meet locals living inside Beguinage, as well as about 50 Benedictine Sisters. This order replaced, in the 1930 year, the not-existing now beguines congregation.
An irregular circle of old, the white plastered buildings surround well-kept garden. Although most of them come from the 18th century, the whole system remained unchanged. |
On 2 December 1998 year, along with 12 other Beguinages in Belgium, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Some of the buildings have internal gardens. Unfortunately, you can not visit them because they belong to private persons. Tourists only have the opportunity to see the church in the Beguinage and the beguines home. Also a walk along the alleys, among the trees and the beautifully groomed buildings of the Beguinage is a great experience.
Church of St. Elizabeth |
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A church with a simple construction typical for beguinages. No transept, with a long presbytery. After the fire of 1584 year, the church was rebuilt 20 years later. Around the 1700 year, 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 year.
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The main altar the baroque altar is visible right after entering the church. Its part is a painting depicting Saint Elizabeth, the patron of the Beguinage and the church, kneeling before the cross. The canvas is the work of James van Oost the Elder (1601-1671). Below are two sculptures: Saint Alexius on the left and on the right a statue of Saint Catherine with a wheel.
Stalls in the presbytery they were made in the second half of the seventeenth century, in the style of Louis XIV. They are decorated with sculptures of angels and heads of cherubs. In various places on the floor there are tombstones and commemorative plaques. Pulpit probably the work of Jan van Hecke (1699-1777), a sculptor from Bruges. Four figures on the pulpit are: Jan Baptiste, Jesus, Maria and Saint John Evangelist. The Gospel has been read from here for centuries. This is symbolized by an angel holding a book. Organ created in 1754 year, 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, a figurine of the Mother of God Comforting with a child is placed beneath the painting. This figure was made in the Romanesque style in 1240 a year and it is the oldest sculpture of the Virgin Mary in Bruges.
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Side altar, left-obpainting being part of the altar, presents Maria's visit to her relative, Elżbieta. It was painted by Lodewijk De Deyster (1656-1711), a student of John Maes. In the niche above the altar there is a statue of Saint Alexius. On the altar is a sculpture made of wood, Saint Benedict.
There are two pictures in the back of the church: the first St. Joseph with baby Jesus is attributed to James Van Oost Younger (1639-1713). Second Assumption of the Virgin Mary this work created by Theodoor Boeyemans (1620-1678) .
The Benedictine Sisters celebrate the liturgy every day. Everyone who wants can participate in prayers.
There are two pictures in the back of the church: the first St. Joseph with baby Jesus is attributed to James Van Oost Younger (1639-1713). Second Assumption of the Virgin Mary this work created by Theodoor Boeyemans (1620-1678) .
The Benedictine Sisters celebrate the liturgy every day. Everyone who wants can participate in prayers.
Museum, Beguines's House it is located in a small 17th century cottage, on the right, at the exit of the Beguinage. You can see the conditions in which beguines lived. A living room, kitchen, bedroom with original furniture are presented here. You can also see a small but charming collection of lace made by beguines, and in the garden there is a stone well.
Opening hours:
1 January-31 December Monday to Saturday 10.00-17.00 Sunday 14.30-17.00 |
Minnewater Park
We finish our visit in the Beguinage going through one of the two gates. It is worth staying in this place, although for a moment. We are already in the Minnewater Park adjacent to Beguinage. There is a large pond here called the Lake of Love (apparently from the Dutch minne-love). It is a really charming place where there are many swans floating on the water, which are a symbol of Bruges. We will also see here boats with tourists who reach into this beautiful corner while traveling on canals. In the past, there was an inner harbor and a mooring place for boats that sailed between Bruges and Ghent. In the area there are also many restaurants located in beautiful, historic buildings, also carriages have their stopover here.
Walplein corner
After leaving Minnewater Park, follow the Wijngaardstraat street, turn left in the middle of its length and after a few dozen meters we reach the next beautiful corner of Bruges, Walplein. It is a small square with restaurants and pubs. Beer fans will enjoy the brewery here. At Walplein, lovers of lace and chocolate will find something for themselves. It is worth visiting this charming corner on the way back to the center of Bruges. It is a place less known among tourists, outside the main route.
Brewery Huisbrouwerij De Halve Mann-the history of this family brewery begins in the 1856 year. Then Henri Maes becomes the owner of the brewery. Nowadays his specialty is the medium strong (7%) dark beer Straffe Hendrik (Henry Strong), and his light golden beer version Straffe Hendrik Blonde. Visiting the brewery with a guide (in Flemish, French and English at the same time) takes place at equal times and lasts 45 minutes. One group can count no more than 50 people.