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Brugse Vrije (Liberty of Bruges)

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Centuries old centre of power with a huge mantelpiece

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Closed today
Burg 11 a, 8000 Brugge Tickets

From the Mansion on Burg Square near the Town Hall, the Brugse Vrije (the countryside around Bruges) was once governed. The façade of the Registry of the Brugse Vrije, to the right of the Mansion, immediately catches the eye. Lady Justice gleams in gold atop the roof—a reference to its former role as a magistrate’s court.

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.

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Extras

  • Wheelchair accessible

Facilities

  • Bike parking
  • Wifi
  • Stroller accessible

Photos: © Femke den Hollander