Top Things to do in West Flanders Province
Top Restaurants in West Flanders Province
Things to do in West Flanders Province, Flanders: The Best Churches & Cathedrals
Discover the best top things to do in West Flanders Province, Belgium including St. Pieterskerk, Adornesdomein & Jeruzalemkerk, Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ter Potterie, Eglise Notre-Dame (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk), Saint Martin's Church, Saint Anthony's Church and Lourdes Cave, Sint Walburga Church, Saint George's Memorial Church, Saint Martin's Cathedral, Saint Michael's Church.
Restaurants in West Flanders Province
1. St. Pieterskerk
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. Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ter Potterie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
The current museum is housed in the old infirmary and displays the eclectic collection accumulated by nuns down the centuries. The oldest pieces date back to the 14th century. Many miracles have been attributed to the white limestone statue of Our Lady of the Potterie in the baroque church. These are detailed in stained-glass windows, wall tapestries, and a miracle book. The 13th century statue is one of Bruges' oldest preserved statues.
Reviewed By apol225 - Oldenburg, Germany
This site is somewhat off the beaten tourist track and takes some finding when walking along the canal side. The name of this spot is a little bit misleading as it seems to referring to a pottery. As a matter of fact it’s an impressive church respectively a hospital attached to the church. All in all a very interesting place which is well worth a visit. By the way a good reason to go for a walk through this more calm but beautiful part of Bruges with its beautiful old houses.
4. Eglise Notre-Dame (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk)
5. Saint Martin's Church
6. Saint Anthony's Church and Lourdes Cave
7. Sint Walburga Church
8. Saint George's Memorial Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 337 reviews
Tucked away almost and across the road from the Cathedral is this unique church built to honour the British and Commonwealth fallen of both world wars but principally the First World War. Built in 1927 it remains a superb place of remembrance and somewhere where families and individuals connected to 'the fallen' in Flanders Fields can find a moment of quiet, calm and reflection. There is a small resident congregation who live in Ypres and surrounding area of Belgium and Lille (Northern France). All are welcome to our regular Sunday services held in the Anglican tradition and you will be sure of a warm welcome.
Reviewed By iancP7845YU - Chalfont St. Giles, United Kingdom
The church just off the main square is a must visit when in Ieper. Built as a memorial to British troops after WW1 it contains many plaques to regiments, individuals and schools who served and died in the battles. It is beautifully kept.
9. Saint Martin's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 307 reviews
Reviewed By DerbyshireCook
No visitor should miss this place. It's beautiful inside and out. Fabulous stained glass rose window. Gorgeous carvings. Amazing Pulpit.
