The English Convent, Brugge
The English Convent in Brugge offers a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and spiritual heritage, dating back to its foundation in 1629. Initially established in the former cloister of Nazareth, this convent became a sanctuary for English nuns exiled during the 17th century. It served as a boarding school from its inception until 1972, initially exclusively for English girls, before opening its doors to students of various nationalities including Flemish, German, and French. The students were predominantly from affluent English families.
The convent's architecture is noteworthy, featuring an interior adorned with lavish decorations such as stained glass windows, a marble altar, and intricately decorated ceilings. It is also distinguished by its unique domed church, the only one in Brugge's medieval section, which also serves as the place where the renowned poet-priest Guido Gezelle passed away.
Currently, the English Convent is part of the "Sacred Books | Secret Libraries" initiative, which provides insights into monastic life and spiritual heritage. This initiative includes a guided tour that emphasizes silence and reflection, focusing on the monasteries' extensive libraries. The tour also covers the Carmelites Convent, known for its impressive refectory.
The convent grounds are a historical continuum, having been in use for almost 400 years, initially by the canons of Windesheim. Today, the fully walled complex includes a sprawling 19th-century landscaped garden and continues to be a vibrant community for a sisterhood dedicated to spiritual and educational pursuits.
Tip:
Keep in mind, this is a convent and not necessarily a tourist destination. While they do accept visitors, access and times are very limited. If open for visiting, ring the bell and go inside. Be quiet and respectful, please. As always when visiting a church as a tourist, leave a donation in the box on your way out 鈥� especially if you are taking photos.
The convent's architecture is noteworthy, featuring an interior adorned with lavish decorations such as stained glass windows, a marble altar, and intricately decorated ceilings. It is also distinguished by its unique domed church, the only one in Brugge's medieval section, which also serves as the place where the renowned poet-priest Guido Gezelle passed away.
Currently, the English Convent is part of the "Sacred Books | Secret Libraries" initiative, which provides insights into monastic life and spiritual heritage. This initiative includes a guided tour that emphasizes silence and reflection, focusing on the monasteries' extensive libraries. The tour also covers the Carmelites Convent, known for its impressive refectory.
The convent grounds are a historical continuum, having been in use for almost 400 years, initially by the canons of Windesheim. Today, the fully walled complex includes a sprawling 19th-century landscaped garden and continues to be a vibrant community for a sisterhood dedicated to spiritual and educational pursuits.
Tip:
Keep in mind, this is a convent and not necessarily a tourist destination. While they do accept visitors, access and times are very limited. If open for visiting, ring the bell and go inside. Be quiet and respectful, please. As always when visiting a church as a tourist, leave a donation in the box on your way out 鈥� especially if you are taking photos.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Brugge. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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The English Convent on Map
Sight Name: The English Convent
Sight Location: Brugge, Belgium (See walking tours in Brugge)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Brugge, Belgium (See walking tours in Brugge)
Sight Type: Religious
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.
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
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
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
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