Provinciaal Hof, Brugge
The Provinciaal Hof in Bruges is a striking neo-Gothic building situated on the Markt, the city's main square. This building once served as the meeting place for the Provincial Government of West Flanders, a role it fulfilled until 1999. Today, it functions primarily as a ceremonial site and a venue for exhibitions.
The history of the site dates back to 1294 with the construction of the Waterhalle, a significant structure for the port of Bruges, which was demolished in 1787 due to inaccessibility for boats. It was initially replaced with a Neoclassical building. In 1887, following a devastating fire that destroyed the previous structure, architects Louis Delacenserie and Ren茅 Buyck were commissioned to design the current neo-Gothic structure. The building project, which started in 1887, also included a section for a postal office which opened in 1891. The construction of the Provinciaal Hof was completed in stages, concluding in 1920.
Architecturally, the Provinciaal Hof is an exemplar of the Gothic Revival style, both externally and internally. The central meeting room is notably adorned with ten sculptures of royalty by Hendrik Pickery, alongside mural paintings depicting prominent figures from West Flanders. Additional decorations include sculptures by Hendrik and his son Gustaaf Pickery, stained glass windows designed by Jules Dobbelaere, and chandeliers crafted by Edward De Vooght. The building also houses various artworks, including pieces by Joos de Momper, Jan Van de Putte, Jan Baptist van Meunincxhove, and several Romantic-era paintings.
The Provinciaal Hof remains a historic and cultural landmark in Bruges, cherished both for its architectural beauty and its historical importance.
The history of the site dates back to 1294 with the construction of the Waterhalle, a significant structure for the port of Bruges, which was demolished in 1787 due to inaccessibility for boats. It was initially replaced with a Neoclassical building. In 1887, following a devastating fire that destroyed the previous structure, architects Louis Delacenserie and Ren茅 Buyck were commissioned to design the current neo-Gothic structure. The building project, which started in 1887, also included a section for a postal office which opened in 1891. The construction of the Provinciaal Hof was completed in stages, concluding in 1920.
Architecturally, the Provinciaal Hof is an exemplar of the Gothic Revival style, both externally and internally. The central meeting room is notably adorned with ten sculptures of royalty by Hendrik Pickery, alongside mural paintings depicting prominent figures from West Flanders. Additional decorations include sculptures by Hendrik and his son Gustaaf Pickery, stained glass windows designed by Jules Dobbelaere, and chandeliers crafted by Edward De Vooght. The building also houses various artworks, including pieces by Joos de Momper, Jan Van de Putte, Jan Baptist van Meunincxhove, and several Romantic-era paintings.
The Provinciaal Hof remains a historic and cultural landmark in Bruges, cherished both for its architectural beauty and its historical importance.
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Provinciaal Hof on Map
Sight Name: Provinciaal Hof
Sight Location: Brugge, Belgium (See walking tours in Brugge)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Brugge, Belgium (See walking tours in Brugge)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Brugge, Belgium
Create Your Own Walk in Brugge
Creating your own self-guided walk in Brugge is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Architectural Jewels Walking Tour
Within its egg-shaped boundary, the historic town of Brugge holds a wealth of architectural treasures. Both medieval and more modern creations await you practically around every corner and are fit to enchant even the most discerning viewers.
One such is a splendid piece of engineering called the Barge Bridge (Bargebrug). Its bright red and asymmetrical form makes it a charming spot and photo... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
One such is a splendid piece of engineering called the Barge Bridge (Bargebrug). Its bright red and asymmetrical form makes it a charming spot and photo... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Brugge Introduction Walking Tour
The capital of Belgium's West Flanders province, Brugge is a fascinating city, distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and historic architecture. Sometimes referred to as the Venice of the North, this is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe 鈥� dating back over a millennium 鈥� with a history richer and longer than that of Belgium itself (established since 1830).
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Brugge Beer Tour
The Land of Beer that is Belgium, where each corner calls to you alluringly, has long welcomed thirsty visitors from all over the world. Of all the Belgian destinations, the medieval city of Brugge is a perfect place to promote one of the country鈥檚 most important and best-known exports. Back in the 15th century, at the peak of its commercial might, the city boasted over 50 working breweries... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Historical Churches Tour
It's not much of a secret that some of the world's most beautiful churches are found in Brugge. Renowned for its medieval architecture and picturesque canals, this Belgian city is home to several historical temples, adding a great deal of charm to its tapestry.
The Begijnhof, also known as the Beguinage Houses, is a tranquil place and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 13th... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
The Begijnhof, also known as the Beguinage Houses, is a tranquil place and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 13th... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles