Damme |
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a town located in the province of West Flanders, six kilometers northeast of Bruges. Many tourists come here, attracted by the city's picturesque location along a beautiful canal, and its centuries-old history, recalled by interesting monuments. Since 1997, Damme has been proudly called the City of Books. There are nine bookstores here, and every second Sunday of the month, a book fair is held in the market square.
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Damme is a paradise for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. The former often arrive here by canal, on barges departing from Bruges (the journey takes about 35 minutes), while the latter travel by bicycle along the tree-lined Brugge-Sluis canal. Tens of kilometers of wonderful trails await them in the city and surrounding area. Maps with descriptions of the most interesting ones can be purchased at the tourist information office located in the market square.
Most of the monuments reminding us of Damme's former fame and importance are located on the market square and its surroundings. The town hall was built between 1464 and 1468 according to the design of the architect from Brabant, Godevaert de Bosschere. The building, built in the late Gothic style, served two functions. The lower part was used for commercial purposes, as warehouses. The first floor served the administration, government and courts. The sculptures on the building were created by Gustav Pickery (1895-1896). They depict figures who made distinguished contributions to the city, including Margaret of Constantinople, who founded the hospital of St. John, Charles the Bold and Margaret of York, who were married in Damme in 1468.
The top of the roof is decorated with a hexagonal turret on which a sundial is placed, and a clock created in 1459 by Brixus Vleesch of Ypres. A carillon consisting of 39 bells plays a melody every half hour. In front of the town hall stands a statue of the 13th-century Flemish poet Jacob van Maerlant, who wrote his greatest poems in Damme.
Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Its construction began in 1225. Damme's extraordinary period of prosperity, during which it served as the port of Bruges, contributed to the church attaining the dimensions of a cathedral. Unfortunately, in 1578 it was plundered by the Gözüs (opponents of Spanish rule in the Netherlands). The rapid decline in the importance of Damme, which occurred when it became a garrison town for Spanish soldiers, led to the decision to demolish a large part of the church due to the excessive maintenance costs.
The interior of the temple hides many treasures of sacred art. Wooden sculptures depicting the Apostles were created in the 13th century. Two 18th-century confessionals come from the church of St. Donatus in Bruges. The Holy Cross, which according to legend was fished out of the sea by a fisherman from Damme, is carried during the annual procession of the Holy Blood held in Bruges. There are also many old tombs in the church. The famous poet Jacob van Maerlant was buried here. Unfortunately, its remains disappeared in the 18th century. Today, all that remains is a tombstone commemorating the poet, created by the Bruges sculptor Henry Pickery, placed in the wall of the church tower in 1893. From April to September, after climbing 206 steps, from the top of the tower you can admire the 17th-century walls and the magnificent panorama of Damme. On the way to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary we pass the building of the former hospital of St. John, founded in 1249 by Margaret of Constantinople.
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Address:
Kerkstraat z/n 8340 Damme |
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: 13:00-17:00 |
Fare:
church: free admission tower: 2.50 Euro |
One of the most popular landmarks in Damme is the Schellemolen windmill, built in 1867 on the Brugge-Sluis canal. Today it is one of the most photographed places in the city.
Damme's medieval fame came with the beginning of the power of Bruges, which was then one of the largest trading centers in northwestern Europe. In 1180, Philippe of Alsace, Count of Flanders, granted Damme city rights. After the canal was dug to connect Bruges with Damme, the city quickly became a transshipment port through which 300 types of goods were transported. Unfortunately, the period of prosperity did not last long. The Zwin Canal, which gave Bruges access to the sea, began to silt up, and Damme ceased to be a significant port city.
Damme's medieval fame came with the beginning of the power of Bruges, which was then one of the largest trading centers in northwestern Europe. In 1180, Philippe of Alsace, Count of Flanders, granted Damme city rights. After the canal was dug to connect Bruges with Damme, the city quickly became a transshipment port through which 300 types of goods were transported. Unfortunately, the period of prosperity did not last long. The Zwin Canal, which gave Bruges access to the sea, began to silt up, and Damme ceased to be a significant port city.
