Sint-Walburgakerk (St Walburga’s Church)
The present St Walburga's Church was built in the mid-17th century to a design by Bruges lay brother Pieter Huyssens. It is the city's most Baroque-style church.
An overview of the church through the ages:
Originally there was a count’s chapel here, which according to legend was founded by St Walburga in 745. In 1239, the St Walburga parish was founded and the chapel was elevated to a parish church.
The present church, dedicated to Francis Xavier, was built in 1642. The house of worship closed in 1773 because the Jesuit order was abolished. Five years later, the church opened again, but this time as a parish church for St Walburga parish, dedicated to the saint of the same name. After the French Revolution, however, the house of worship was closed for several years (1794–1802).
Since 1939, the church has been protected as a monument. From the 1960s, it also served as a concert hall. Since 2012, there have been no weekly worship services, but the unique location is still used for funerals, weddings, cultural activities and as a museum.
Interior:
Most of the interior dates from the 17th and 18th centuries. Some famous Bruges painters showcased their talents here: Joseph Suvée, Jan Garemijn, Joseph Odevaere, Pieter Claeissens the Younger, and many others. The oak pulpit, the confessionals, the organ, the marble high altar and the side altars give the church a distinctly Baroque feel. The white marble communion pew, which covers the entire width of the church (24 m), is one of the finest in Bruges' ecclesiastical heritage.
