Close
Brugse Vrije Musea Brugge Femke den Hollander
Buy your tickets

Centuries old centre of power with a huge mantelpiece

The Brugse Vrije is temporarily closed until 28 February 2025 due to works. Reopening: 1 March 2025.

Brugse Vrije (Liberty of Bruges)

The facade of the Brugse Vrije (Liberty of Bruges) on the Burg next to the City Hall catches the eye at once. Lady Justice sparkles in gold on the roof. This is a reference to the function of the building as a law court from 1795 to 1984.

The aldermen's chamber

Via the old assize court you enter the courtroom of the Brugse Vrije. Centuries of regal power and jurisdiction are brought together in the huge mantelpiece from 1528. The mantel was a tribute to Emperor Charles V (1500-1558). It is made of oak, marble, and alabaster and was designed by Lanceloot Blondeel. The painting by Gillis Van Tilborch of the 17th century hall gives a good impression of a court session in the courtroom. The setting of the painting has been preserved, so you imagine yourself travelling back in time as you enter.

The Brugse Vrije

The Brugse Vrije had been the title of an independent administrative, financial, and judicial section of the County of Flanders since early in the 12th century. The area comprised the region and towns around Bruges, bordered by the North Sea, the Western Scheldt, and the Yser. It had its own municipal council which was based at the Burg, but it had no jurisdiction over the city of Bruges itself. At the end of the 14th century, the Brugse Vrije became the ‘fourth member’ of Flanders, alongside the three major cities of Bruges, Ghent, and Ypres. It was not until 1795 that the Brugse Vrije was abandoned.

Today

Today, Bruges City Records Office is housed in the manor of the Brugse Vrije. Only the aldermen's chamber is part of Musea Brugge. The City Records Office preserves the civic written records, and that makes it a treasure chest for historical research.

Musea Brugge Femke den Hollander 9577
Musea Brugge Femke den Hollander 9551
Musea Brugge Femke den Hollander 9543

Photos: © Femke den Hollander

Address

Burg 11 a , 8000 Brugge