Location: St-anna
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The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in St-anna, Flanders
What could be more romantic and inspiring than a place that looks like a backdrop for a fairy tale? The medieval overtones of Bruges’ cobblestone streets lead to countless historical, architectural and artistic wonders. Marvel at ornate houses lining intricate canals, and understand why this is a favorite destination for all types of travelers. The whole city emanates an appreciation of the past, a love of the present, and enthusiasm for the future. Don’t miss Hof Bladelin, Groeninge Museum, Church of Our Lady, and Belfry and Market Halls.
Restaurants in Bruges
1. Basilica of the Holy Blood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,027 reviews
This chapel contains a phial that reputedly contains Christ's blood brought back from the Crusades.
Reviewed By aline901 - Beirut, Lebanon
This is a beautiful Basilica that comprises two level churches. It is snugly located in a corner of Burg Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood consists of a Romanesque lower chapel and a Gothic upper chapel The lower level church, a dark Romanesque structure, is so beautiful and has amazing statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. The upper level church, connected by staircase, is amazing with modern and gothic style, houses the Relic of the Holy Blood. We were so lucky to visit on a Sunday morning when they held a mass and the Relic was on display afterwards for visitors to see it and get the blessings.
2. Adornesdomein & Jeruzalemkerk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 537 reviews
The Adornes Domain is an authentic medieval estate, a unique religious site and a fascinating cultural heritage dating back to the Middle Ages. Having been in the hands of the same family for nearly 600 years, the history of the domain is not only truly remarkable but the site is also extremely well preserved. A visit takes about 45 minutes and includes a twelve minute film and historical explanations in the Adornes Museum (situated in the almshouses), the extraordinary Jerusalem Chapel (loosely inspired by the Holy Sepulchre Church of Jerusalem), and the Pieter's Gallery. The visit ends in the cosy and elegant Scottish Lounge were one can relax with coffee, tea, cake and soft drinks. There is also a well-stocked gift, souvenir and book shop. The domain also organises regular events including temporary contemporary art exhibitions, evening nocturnes and concerts (see website for info). Private guided tours of the estate and of the family house can be arranged by appointment only.
Reviewed By Golfing-Steve - Lewes, United Kingdom
A car in Bruges is a liability. There are two ways to see the city properly, either on foot or by bike so ditch the car in the nearest garage for the duration, as you will only get lost in the medieval street layout, and set off to explore with a decent map. And do try to get away from the crowds that pack the Market and Burg areas. One place that is an absolute belter is in the quiet St.Anne’s district of the city due northeast of the Market. The whole site is known as the Andornesdomain estate and includes an impressive mansion, gardens and almshouses but what we are here to see is known locally as the Jeruzalemkerk. Incredibly this small chapel is still in the same family hands as it was in the early 15th century when the powerful Adorno clan from Genoa founded it. Bruges, like Genoa, was a great trading city back then so it was only natural that there would be powerful family connections. The Adorno contributed six doges to the Republic of Genoa but it was Obizzo Adorno, a crusader in the forces of Guy de Dampierre, Count of Flanders, who first established the family in Bruges. His grandsons, Giacomo and Pietro Adorno, founded the Church of Jerusalem, a replica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem in 1427, including Christ’s tomb, including a life-size naked body of the Saviour, having returned from a pilgrimage. The chapel is every bit as spooky and quirky as it is impressive. The main star of the show that we learn about on the video film and exhibits laid out in the alms houses is Anselmo, son of the second Pietro, who became treasurer of Bruges, and also travelled on a pilgrimage to Syria and Africa. His work load was huge being also ambassador to Iran for Charles the Bold, duke of Burgundy, and as counselor to King James III of Scotland when governor of the guild of Scottish wool traders. He was also knighted by the King of Scotland. The interactive model of his pilgrimage is something to marvel at taking so many months to travel by land and sea to the Holy Land whilst avoiding warlike natives in Africa and areas of plague that included Venice as well as crossing mountains and deserts. Sadly Anselmo’s pilgrimage did not bring him any blessings from the Almighty for, despite having moved to Scotland, King James’s enemies murdered him in 1483. His body lies there still in St Michael’s Church, Linthlithgow in West Lothian. His heart, however was brought back to Bruges, and was placed in the black marble tomb we see today alongside his wife, Margaretha. The effigy has a sword hilt in his ribs to show the violent death he suffered, although at his feet lay a lion and a dog signifying courage and devotion. As well the Adornes’ tomb there is a fragment of the Holy Cross in a gilded, silver cross and a macabre altar with carvings of the skulls of Golgotha and three tall and imposing crosses. After all this darkness and proximity to death, stepping outside into the daylight comes as welcome relief as does an excellent small café and a souvenir shop, staffed by an extremely helpful lady. For somewhere off the main tourist drag this is a splendid way to spend an hour or more and learn about both the city and the Adorno family, who still own the property, although their name has become Adornes in Flemish, some 17 generations after the founding of the estate. Unspoilt and virtually unchanged this is a compelling venue in a marvellous city.
3. St. James's Church (Sint-Jacobskerk)
4. St. Walburga's Church (Sint-Walburgakerk)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Reviewed By specialplant - Singapore, Singapore
400m walk away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Beautiful interior with white marble pillars.
5. The English Convent
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By sherbert - Leighton Buzzard, United Kingdom
I visited here and what a beautiful and very special place this is. There are limited opening times and if you do visit, you will find this one of the most undiscovered places on earth. I was treated to a tour by sister Frances (I did visit some time ago do sorry for the delay) and given a tour. Thank you for your kindness. I found out so many interesting facts, but I won’t spoil the fun of your own discoveries. I can say there are only a few nuns left and I was taken into the domed church and we did sing in there. In the 70s it was a B&B and I do know someone who visited there which is do quaint. It is absolutely stunning! Do take the time to stop by and discover what an incredible building this is. I must also visit again one day.
6. St. Annakerk (St Anne's Church)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 333 reviews
Reviewed By Signaller21 - Bristol, United Kingdom
An amazing place. Stopped on a Segway tour. The wood carvings are amazing. Well worth a stop. Some amazing painting too
7. Brugse Vrije
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 258 reviews
The Brugse Vrije is the former law court of Bruges. It now houses written history of Bruges as the city archives are based here. Take a walk through the old court to the renaissance hall, which was once the alderman's chamber. Here, the highlight is a monumental 16th century wood, marble, and alabaster fireplace known as the Emperor Charles V fireplace, designed by Lanceloot Blondeel. (tickets via Stadhuis)
Reviewed By a1eksandar - Belgrade, Serbia
Gorgeous place adjacent to the city hall. Used to be a courthouse apparently. Amazing architecture and attention to details.
8. Oliebaan
9. Sint-Janshuismolen
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 436 reviews
Windmills have graced Bruges' ramparts ever since the construction of the outer city wall at the end of the 13th century. Today four specimens are left on Kruisvest. Sint-Janshuis Mill - anno 1770- is still in its original spot and still grinding grain just like its neighbour Koelewei Mill. The Sint-Janshuismolen is the only mill you can visit. OPEN: 01/04-30/09
Reviewed By LJ444
A nice walk along the river takes you to this lovely windmill. There's nothing else there but it's a good photo opportunity.
10. Kruispoort
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