Bruges' religious heritage consists of several dozen churches. Many of them are real architectural pearls. Often, however, the external appearance can be confusing. An inconspicuous church can hide a wonderful interior. The best example is the church of Saint Anna, which resembles its patron, modest outside, with a rich interior. Architecture is not the only reason to visit these churches. They often hide world class works of art. Paintings or sculptures of recognized masters around the world.
St. Salvator churchvertical divider
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colloquially called the Church of the Savior is the oldest parish temple in Bruges. It is believed that already in 640 the year of Saint Eligius, bishop of Noyon, founded a church here. Later, it was rebuilt many times over the centuries. In the 13th century a Gothic style church was built here. Work began in 1280, and finally the construction of the temple was completed in 1350. The church survived four fires and the French Revolution spreading destruction among the churches. Ultimately, after the destruction by the French of the Saint Donatian cathedral, seat of the bishop, the status of the cathedral obtained, in the nineteenth century, the church of St. Salvator, which was lower and less impressive than the nearby church of the Virgin Mary. In addition, his roof burned in 1839.
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A decision was made to renovate and rebuild. One option was to build a more impressive tower. The architect of the project was chosen Englishman William Chantrella, who specialized in neo-Gothic restoration works. To the surprise of all, Chantrella did not build a larger tower in the neo-Gothic style, but created a tower design in the Romanesque style.
The Saint Salvator church has many great works of art. Some of them were made especially for this church, the rest were moved here from the destroyed cathedral of St. Donatian.
The Saint Salvator church has many great works of art. Some of them were made especially for this church, the rest were moved here from the destroyed cathedral of St. Donatian.
This oldest parish church in Bruges is famous for its cruciform choir with organs, medieval tombs, magnificent collections of Flemish art from the 16th-18th centuries, and for beautiful tapestries. The main altar was built in 1642 and was designed by J. Cocx. Statues of three patrons, church saints, Sauveur, Donatian and Eligius stand above the altar. Stalls in the presbytery come from 1430 a year.
The eagle-shaped pulpit was made in 1605 a year. A wonderful reading room on top of which is a monumental sculpture of white marble God the Father designed Artus Quellin the Younger in the year 1682. Above it are the eighteenth-century organs. The tapestries ordered by Bishop Van Susteren in 1731 were woven by Van der Borght in Brussels. Original paintings by Jan van Orley hang on the walls, on the basis of which tapestries were created (they are their mirror image). The magnificent door, which is part of the reading room, was created from a piece of copper in 1708 by the artist W. Somers.
The church museum has several excellent works of art: the triptych of Torture of St. Hippolytus, Triptych The Last Supper of P. Pourbus (1599). Works of Dirk Bouts or Hugo van der Goes, centuries-old manuscripts, sculptures, as well as silver and gold artistic products.
The eagle-shaped pulpit was made in 1605 a year. A wonderful reading room on top of which is a monumental sculpture of white marble God the Father designed Artus Quellin the Younger in the year 1682. Above it are the eighteenth-century organs. The tapestries ordered by Bishop Van Susteren in 1731 were woven by Van der Borght in Brussels. Original paintings by Jan van Orley hang on the walls, on the basis of which tapestries were created (they are their mirror image). The magnificent door, which is part of the reading room, was created from a piece of copper in 1708 by the artist W. Somers.
The church museum has several excellent works of art: the triptych of Torture of St. Hippolytus, Triptych The Last Supper of P. Pourbus (1599). Works of Dirk Bouts or Hugo van der Goes, centuries-old manuscripts, sculptures, as well as silver and gold artistic products.
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Address:
Sint-Salvatorskoorstraat 8,
8000 Brugge, Belgium |
Opening hours:
monday-friday: 10.00-13.00 and 14.00-17.30
saturday: 10.00-13.00 and 14.00-15.30 sunday: 11.30-12.00 and 14.00-17.00 |
The church James was built without the nave around 1240 a year. Thanks to a grant from the Duke of Burgundy and the rich inhabitants of Bruges, it was expanded in the 15th century. This Gothic church was stripped of magnificent works of art by iconoclasts in 1580 a year. His baroque restaurant took two centuries. The church has a very harmonious interior with many works of art.
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Address:
Sint-Jakobsplein 1,
8000 Brugge |
Opening hours:
monday-sunday
11.00-18.00 |
Holy Blood Basilica |
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Heilig Bloed Basiliek. It took its name from the relic of the blood of Christ, which came here somewhere between 1150 and 1200. The temple consists of two separate chapels. The lower, Romanesque, comes from the 12th century and is almost devoid of decoration. The higher one, rebuilt in the Gothic style in the 15th century, has wall decorations from the last renovation carried out in the 19th century.
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The lower chapel of Saint Blood was built in the 12th century, commissioned by Count Teodor of Alsace (1128-1168), as a home for the relics of Saint Basil. It is the oldest chapel in the city and to this day bears the name of this saint. It is also the only fully preserved Romanesque church in West Flanders. The chapel consists of two aisles and a nave, passing in the presbytery, ending with a semicircular apse. There is an ascetic decor here, enhanced by bare stone walls and few sculptures.
Above the main entrance, in the original wall, there is a 12th-century tympanum , the oldest ancient sculpture in Bruges. It presents the baptism of Saint Basil in the Jordan River, celebrated, according to legend, by Maximilian, bishop of Jerusalem. A pigeon appears in the clouds. In the right aisle there is a polychrome wooden sculpture Madonna and child, dated to the beginning of the fourteenth century.
Ecce Homo is a sculpture made of pine by D'Hondt from Bruges around 1900 a year. This sculpture is commonly called Jesus on cold stone or Jesus on a small wooden pedestal. On the painted knees of the sculpture of Jesus you can see worn out spots. It is caused by the faithful rubbing these areas.
Pietà is the work of artist De Wispelaere from Bruges. It depicts the Mother of God holding Jesus' body on her lap.
Above the main entrance, in the original wall, there is a 12th-century tympanum , the oldest ancient sculpture in Bruges. It presents the baptism of Saint Basil in the Jordan River, celebrated, according to legend, by Maximilian, bishop of Jerusalem. A pigeon appears in the clouds. In the right aisle there is a polychrome wooden sculpture Madonna and child, dated to the beginning of the fourteenth century.
Ecce Homo is a sculpture made of pine by D'Hondt from Bruges around 1900 a year. This sculpture is commonly called Jesus on cold stone or Jesus on a small wooden pedestal. On the painted knees of the sculpture of Jesus you can see worn out spots. It is caused by the faithful rubbing these areas.
Pietà is the work of artist De Wispelaere from Bruges. It depicts the Mother of God holding Jesus' body on her lap.
On the left side of the presbytery there is the Chapel of Saint Ivon (Yves). It comes from the year 1504. Here are the relics of Saint Basil and Charles the Good, Count of Flanders, who was murdered. The tabernacle made of black marble is the work of Lancelot Blondeel.
The lower chapel is the support for the upper chapel, which was also built in the Romanesque style, but has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. Both chapels bear the title of Minor Basilica.
The monumental De Steeghere staircase, leading to the upper chapel, was built in the Renaissance style in 1533 year. The statues on its outer facade were made according to the drawings created by Lancelot Bloondel. This building was rebuilt in the nineteenth century after the destruction that occurred during the French occupation.
Gilded bronze statues decorating the facade of the staircase depict the figures of the princesses Izabela and Mary of Burgundy, and Count Theodore and his son Philip from Alsace. The medallions show Archduke Albert and Maximilian Habsburg, Margaret of York and Sibyl of Anjou, wife of Theodore and mother of Philip of Alsace.
The lower chapel is the support for the upper chapel, which was also built in the Romanesque style, but has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. Both chapels bear the title of Minor Basilica.
The monumental De Steeghere staircase, leading to the upper chapel, was built in the Renaissance style in 1533 year. The statues on its outer facade were made according to the drawings created by Lancelot Bloondel. This building was rebuilt in the nineteenth century after the destruction that occurred during the French occupation.
Gilded bronze statues decorating the facade of the staircase depict the figures of the princesses Izabela and Mary of Burgundy, and Count Theodore and his son Philip from Alsace. The medallions show Archduke Albert and Maximilian Habsburg, Margaret of York and Sibyl of Anjou, wife of Theodore and mother of Philip of Alsace.
The upper chapel of the Basilica of the Holy Blood was also built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style. At the end of the 15th century the chapel was rebuilt in the Gothic style. It was devastated twice (the first time in the 16th century, the second time, almost completely, in 1795 during the French Revolution). In the year 1829 it was rebuilt in so-called Neo-Gothic style. 13 April 1923 year Pope Pius XI gave both chapels the title of Minor Basilica.
The main altar used for the Eucharist is decorated with a bas-relief from the beginning of the 17th century, depicting the last supper. A large painting behind the altar was made in the 1905 year . In the upper part of the Mystery of the Cross he presents the dying Jesus, in the background two cities, Bethlehem, in which he was born, and Jerusalem where he died. In the lower part of the painting, the relics are transported with the blood of Christ from Jerusalem to Bruges . On the left, Theodore from Alsace collects the relic from the hands of King Baldwin III of Jerusalem, on the right side, kneeling, next to the countess of the Sybil of Anjou, he gives the relic to the priest.
The globe-shaped pulpit is dated 1728 a year. Its creator was Henryk Pulinckx, and the shape was inspired by the words of the gospel: " Go all over the world and preach the Gospel "MK16. 15
The stained glass windows in the presbytery were created in 1845 and depict figures ruling the Flanders County from Philip the Brave, Prince of Burgundy (1342-1404), to Maria Teresa, Empress of Austria (1717-1780).
In the chapel of the Holy Cross there is a white marble altar. It was made in the Baroque style by Laurent Delvaux in 1751 year. Two angels of adoration are the work of Peter Pepers. The relic with the blood of Christ is kept in a beautiful silver tabernacle created by the local goldsmith Francois Ryelandt (1709-1774). On the right side of the altar hangs a wonderful painting by Jacob van Oost, showing a Descent from the Cross.
The stained glass windows in the presbytery were created in 1845 and depict figures ruling the Flanders County from Philip the Brave, Prince of Burgundy (1342-1404), to Maria Teresa, Empress of Austria (1717-1780).
In the chapel of the Holy Cross there is a white marble altar. It was made in the Baroque style by Laurent Delvaux in 1751 year. Two angels of adoration are the work of Peter Pepers. The relic with the blood of Christ is kept in a beautiful silver tabernacle created by the local goldsmith Francois Ryelandt (1709-1774). On the right side of the altar hangs a wonderful painting by Jacob van Oost, showing a Descent from the Cross.
Museum of Holy Blood is a small treasury, in which the most valuable treasures have been collected, testifying to the rich history of the basilica and its relics. We find here a wonderful reliquary from 1617 in which the relic with the blood of Christ is transported during the procession. It is the work of a goldsmith from Bruges Jan Crabbe. To create this masterpiece, 30 kilograms of gold and silver and more than 100 precious stones were used. The figurines placed on it depict St. Donatian (patron of Bruges), Mother of God and Saint Basil. The reliquary is crowned with a crown, which is believed to belong to Mary of Burgundy.
In addition, there are also a number of other great exhibits, including: a small silver reliquary donated by Archduke Albert and Izabela in 1612, a gilded silver goblet with engraved words Passibus Aequis 1652, which is still used during important ceremonies, two panels, painted in the year 1556 by Pieter Pourbus, depicting 31 members of the Brotherhood of the Holy Blood, six medallions carved in oak wood by Henry Pulinckx in 1728 year, depicting several scenes from the life of Christ: circumcision, flogging, crown of thorns, descent from the cross, laying to the grave, resurrection.
In addition, there are also a number of other great exhibits, including: a small silver reliquary donated by Archduke Albert and Izabela in 1612, a gilded silver goblet with engraved words Passibus Aequis 1652, which is still used during important ceremonies, two panels, painted in the year 1556 by Pieter Pourbus, depicting 31 members of the Brotherhood of the Holy Blood, six medallions carved in oak wood by Henry Pulinckx in 1728 year, depicting several scenes from the life of Christ: circumcision, flogging, crown of thorns, descent from the cross, laying to the grave, resurrection.
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Address:
Burg 13,
8000 Brugge |
Opening hours:
monday-sunday:
9.30-12.30 and 14.00-17.30 |
Ticket price:
Church: for free
Treasury: 2,5 Euro |
Holy Blood procession
The oldest mention of the procession comes from the statute of Unloaders'Guild from 1291. We learn from it that city officials were obliged to participate in the procession. Probably the relic of the Holy Blood was exhibited in the chapel on Burg Square before 1291 a year. From 1303 the procession moved around the city walls. It became a great event attended by residents, city councilors and, naturally, the clergy.
In the year 1310, Pope Clement V issued a bulla in which he gave discharge for five years and 200 days to sinners who participated piously in the procession or who visited the basilica within 14 days after passing the procession.
In the 15th and 16th centuries, next to traditional biblical scenes, secular scenes began to be played, incl. with the participation of giant figures.
Due to the threat of religious tensions, the procession around the city walls was abandoned in 1578. The procession walked the city center, and it has remained so to this day.
In 1578-1584, the Calvinist system ruled in Bruges. The organization of processions was forbidden and the relics were hidden for security reasons. During the counterrevolution in the seventeenth century, as well as in the eighteenth century the procession has regained its religious character. It was again banned from organizing during the French rule (1798-1819).
In the nineteenth century, the procession of the Holy Blood was resumed. Until 1969, it was in the morning on the first Monday after 2 May. The date of the procession was changed in 1970. Until today, it takes place on the day of the Ascension Day (on the 40 day after the Resurrection), which is a day off in Belgium. Around 1800 participants take part in the procession through the streets of the city. It attracts approximately 50 thousand pilgrims every year. procesja odzyskała swój religijny charakter. Ponownie zakazano jej organizowania za czasów panowania Francuzów (1798-1819).
W XIX wieku wznowiono ponownie procesję Świętej Krwi. Do 1969 roku odbywała się ona rankiem w pierwszy poniedziałek po 2 maja. W roku 1970 zmieniono datę procesji. Aż do dnia dzisiejszego odbywa się ona w dniu Święta Wniebowstąpienia (w 40 dniu od Zmartwychwstania Pańskiego), który jest w Belgii dniem wolnym od pracy. W procesji ulicami miasta czynnie bierze udział około 1800 uczestników. Przyciąga ona rokrocznie około 50 tysięcy pielgrzymów.
In the year 1310, Pope Clement V issued a bulla in which he gave discharge for five years and 200 days to sinners who participated piously in the procession or who visited the basilica within 14 days after passing the procession.
In the 15th and 16th centuries, next to traditional biblical scenes, secular scenes began to be played, incl. with the participation of giant figures.
Due to the threat of religious tensions, the procession around the city walls was abandoned in 1578. The procession walked the city center, and it has remained so to this day.
In 1578-1584, the Calvinist system ruled in Bruges. The organization of processions was forbidden and the relics were hidden for security reasons. During the counterrevolution in the seventeenth century, as well as in the eighteenth century the procession has regained its religious character. It was again banned from organizing during the French rule (1798-1819).
In the nineteenth century, the procession of the Holy Blood was resumed. Until 1969, it was in the morning on the first Monday after 2 May. The date of the procession was changed in 1970. Until today, it takes place on the day of the Ascension Day (on the 40 day after the Resurrection), which is a day off in Belgium. Around 1800 participants take part in the procession through the streets of the city. It attracts approximately 50 thousand pilgrims every year. procesja odzyskała swój religijny charakter. Ponownie zakazano jej organizowania za czasów panowania Francuzów (1798-1819).
W XIX wieku wznowiono ponownie procesję Świętej Krwi. Do 1969 roku odbywała się ona rankiem w pierwszy poniedziałek po 2 maja. W roku 1970 zmieniono datę procesji. Aż do dnia dzisiejszego odbywa się ona w dniu Święta Wniebowstąpienia (w 40 dniu od Zmartwychwstania Pańskiego), który jest w Belgii dniem wolnym od pracy. W procesji ulicami miasta czynnie bierze udział około 1800 uczestników. Przyciąga ona rokrocznie około 50 tysięcy pielgrzymów.
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Chapel of Jerusalem
Outside the beaten Bruges tourist trail, there is a very interesting Jerusalemkapel. Built by the family of Italian merchants Adornes, the chapel is one of the most enigmatic places of worship in Bruges. Also called the Church of the Holy Tomb, the chapel is in private hands to this day. The first member of the Adornes family settled in Bruges was Oppicino from Genoa, who died in 1307 a year. For centuries, the family has grown richer and gained importance. Finally, they decided to build a new chapel. 12 May 1427, the Pope gave permission to build the temple.
Chapel Jerusalem fot. https://bezoekers.brugge.be/
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Chapel Jerusalem fot. https://bezoekers.brugge.be/
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The Jerusalem Chapel and the house of the Adornes family are part of a complex built by a family of wealthy merchants. Both buildings are connected by a gallery. The construction of the chapel began in 1470 year, after Anselm Adornes and his son returned from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
The church consists of a nave with a tomb. Behind the mausoleum there is the main altar, crowned with three large crosses, representing Golgotha. It depicts skulls because Golgotha is translated as a skull site. Outside the altar there is a crypt leading to the place symbolizing the Holy Tomb, in which the body of Christ was laid. This is a rare feature in Flanders, but it is popular in Mediterranean countries. It is also supposedly the reason why the chapel is called Jerusalem. Steep stairs on the right and left lead to the presbytery located on the mezzanine. This part is separated from the rest of the chapel by means of two small oak doors, which date back to 1484 year.
Such two-level chapels were quite popular in the Middle Ages, as evidenced by the Holy Blood Chapel in the city center. The beautiful stained glass windows depict the members of the Adornes family, supported by their saint patrons. Two wonderful 15th century triptychs hang on the walls: Madonna with Saint Catherine and Saint Barbara, and Christ on the cross. Above the chapel is an octagonal tower, crowned with a Jerusalem cross.
The church consists of a nave with a tomb. Behind the mausoleum there is the main altar, crowned with three large crosses, representing Golgotha. It depicts skulls because Golgotha is translated as a skull site. Outside the altar there is a crypt leading to the place symbolizing the Holy Tomb, in which the body of Christ was laid. This is a rare feature in Flanders, but it is popular in Mediterranean countries. It is also supposedly the reason why the chapel is called Jerusalem. Steep stairs on the right and left lead to the presbytery located on the mezzanine. This part is separated from the rest of the chapel by means of two small oak doors, which date back to 1484 year.
Such two-level chapels were quite popular in the Middle Ages, as evidenced by the Holy Blood Chapel in the city center. The beautiful stained glass windows depict the members of the Adornes family, supported by their saint patrons. Two wonderful 15th century triptychs hang on the walls: Madonna with Saint Catherine and Saint Barbara, and Christ on the cross. Above the chapel is an octagonal tower, crowned with a Jerusalem cross.
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Address:
Peperstraat 1,
8000 Brugge |
Opening hours:
monday-saturday: 10.00-17.00
sunday: closed |
Ticket price:
7 Euro
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Saint Anna church was built in 1621 and consecrated in 1624. It replaced a former Gothic church that was demolished in 1581 a year. From the outside, it does not impress, it does not reveal a wonderful interior. Walking the streets of Bruges you can not pay attention to him. However, Sint Annakerk, because that is his Flemish name, surprises with a magnificent baroque interior, one of the most beautiful among the churches of Bruges.
The church resembles its patron, modest outside, with a rich interior. It is characterized by a simple indoor construction. Many great works of art have been gathered here.
In the church you can admire: a beautiful marble rood screen created by H. van Mildert (1626-1628), a sculpture of St. Anna, wonderful oak panels with confessionals. Jan Garemijn painted large paintings in the front of the church, depicting scenes from the life of Saint Anna and Saint Maria.
The church resembles its patron, modest outside, with a rich interior. It is characterized by a simple indoor construction. Many great works of art have been gathered here.
In the church you can admire: a beautiful marble rood screen created by H. van Mildert (1626-1628), a sculpture of St. Anna, wonderful oak panels with confessionals. Jan Garemijn painted large paintings in the front of the church, depicting scenes from the life of Saint Anna and Saint Maria.
The attention of visitors is also attracted by wonderful chandeliers in which candles are lit only for important occasions. Above the entrance door is a huge painting, occupying about 100 square meters. Nedrik Herregouts painted this painting in 1685 a year. It presents the Last Judgment and was to remind the faithful after leaving the church that they had to keep their promises, which they made during the prayer. The greatest Flemish poet from Bruges, Guido Gezelle, was baptized in this church.
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Address:
Sint-Annaplein, Brugge
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Opening hours:
monday-sunday: 11.00-18.00
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Ticket price:
For free
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Saint Walburga church
Temple, which arose in the years 1619-1642, in the Baroque style, it is the work of P. Huyssens (1577-1637) from the Jesuit order, who was born in Bruges. Originally, the church was to belong to this order and was dedicated to Saint Francis Xavier, whose sculpture is in a niche above the entrance. During the French Revolution, the church was de-consecrated and dedicated to reason. In 1802 temple was consecrated again. Inside the baroque character is enhanced by cornices, volutes, pilasters and columns that create lighting effects.
The chancel floor has geometric patterns. They are believed to represent an ancient Arabic language called Kufic script.
The church has a collection of paintings. Fourteen of them can be found in the presbytery, in the nave and above the organs.
The church has a collection of paintings. Fourteen of them can be found in the presbytery, in the nave and above the organs.
The church has a marble altar created by Jacob Cocx (1643), with the figure of Saint Walburga, which is the work of Houvenaegel (1842). Painting Resurrection, being part of the main altar, was painted by J. Suvee (1783).
Above the portals are placed of busts of Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Francis Borgia, and statues of Saint Alojzy Gonzaga and Saint Stanislaw Kostka.
Artus Quellin the Younger (1667-1669) created a great pulpit. Both side altars are the work of Pieter Verbrugghen. The one on the north side, which was established in 1657, has two portals with statues of Saints. The altar on the south side (1669) has oak doors and statues of Peter, Paul and Saint Roch.
Above the portals are placed of busts of Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Francis Borgia, and statues of Saint Alojzy Gonzaga and Saint Stanislaw Kostka.
Artus Quellin the Younger (1667-1669) created a great pulpit. Both side altars are the work of Pieter Verbrugghen. The one on the north side, which was established in 1657, has two portals with statues of Saints. The altar on the south side (1669) has oak doors and statues of Peter, Paul and Saint Roch.
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Address:
Sint-Maartensplein, Brugge
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Opening hours:
monday-sunday: 11.00-18.00
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Ticket price:
For free
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