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Brugse Vrije (Liberty of Bruges)

From this mansion, the countryside in a wide area around the city was once governed. The building functioned as a court of justice between 1795 and 1984. Today the city archives are stored here. They safeguard Bruges’ written memory. The premises also boast an old assize court and a renaissance hall with a monumental 16th-century timber, marble and alabaster fireplace made by Lanceloot Blondeel.

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.

History

At the end of the 14th century, the Brugse Vrije (Free Region of Bruges) formed part of the County of Flanders, one of the Four Members of Flanders together with Ghent, Bruges, and Ypres. The government of the Brugse Vrije first assembled on Burg Square, where so many civilian, municipal, and ecclesiastical official buildings were. In the 15th century the Vrije was moved to the former ducal home known as the ‘Love’. The complex was extended in 1525 with the addition of a court of justice, an alderman’s hall, and a council chamber. A chapel and an orphan room followed later. Later rebuilt in a classical style, the building served as a courthouse until 1934, and was listed in 1938.

Collection

A painting by Van Tilborgh shows a session held in the alderman’s chamber. Wearing black robes, the members of the alderman’s jury, sit ready to have their say. The defendant stands before them, with justiciaries on his left and right sides.

Museum

The alderman’s hall reflects royal power and justice. The enormous fireplace is a tribute to Charles V: life-size paintings and medallions depict his family members, while shields represent places in his empire. Dating from 1528 and designed by Lanceloot Blondeel, the fireplace of oak, marble, and alabaster is one of the most important works of Renaissance art in Bruges.

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Time information

from 01-01-2019 to 31-12-2019
Monday 09:30 - 17:00 h
Tuesday 09:30 - 17:00 h
Wednesday 09:30 - 17:00 h
Thursday 09:30 - 17:00 h
Friday 09:30 - 17:00 h
Saturday 09:30 - 17:00 h
Sunday 09:30 - 17:00 h
additional opening dates
  • 30 May 2019 ( 09:30 - 13:00 h )
  • 24 December 2019 ( 09:30 - 16:00 h )
  • 31 December 2019 ( 09:30 - 16:00 h )
additional closing dates
  • 25 December 2018
  • 1 January 2019
  • 25 December 2019
Last admission is 30 min. before closing time.

Groups

from 01-01-2019 to 31-12-2019
Monday 09:30 - 17:00 h
Tuesday 09:30 - 17:00 h
Wednesday 09:30 - 17:00 h
Thursday 09:30 - 17:00 h
Friday 09:30 - 17:00 h
Saturday 09:30 - 17:00 h
Sunday 09:30 - 17:00 h
additional opening dates
  • 30 May 2019 ( 09:30 - 13:00 h )
  • 24 December 2019 ( 09:30 - 16:00 h )
  • 31 December 2019 ( 09:30 - 16:00 h )
additional closing dates
  • 25 December 2018
  • 1 January 2019
  • 25 December 2019
Last admission is 30 min. before closing time.

Schools

from 01-01-2019 to 31-12-2019
Monday 09:30 - 17:00 h
Tuesday 09:30 - 17:00 h
Wednesday 09:30 - 17:00 h
Thursday 09:30 - 17:00 h
Friday 09:30 - 17:00 h
Saturday 09:30 - 17:00 h
Sunday 09:30 - 17:00 h
additional opening dates
  • 30 May 2019 ( 09:30 - 13:00 h )
  • 24 December 2019 ( 09:30 - 16:00 h )
  • 31 December 2019 ( 09:30 - 16:00 h )
additional closing dates
  • 25 December 2018
  • 1 January 2019
  • 25 December 2019
Last admission is 30 min. before closing time.

Price information

Individuals

Adults € 6,00
Including City Hall visit
Verkooppunten Liberty of Bruges: tickets are sold in City Hall

Locatie

Burg 11 a , Brugge
directions

Location

Accessibility
  • Establishment partly accessible Establishment partly accessible
    The entrance is difficult to access. A steep ramp can be placed on the three steps. 
Facilities
  • Wifi (draadloos internet) Wifi (draadloos internet)

Contact & Informatie

Sitemap

Tourist information

Tel. +32 (0)50 44 46 46

visitbruges@brugge.be 

 

Secrets of Bruges

Infokantoren

  • Information office Markt (Historium)
    Markt 1 8000 Brugge Today van 10:00 tot 17:00
  • Information office 't Zand (Concertgebouw)
    't Zand 34 8000 Brugge Today van 10:00 tot 17:00
  • Information office Stationsplein (Station)
    Stationsplein 8000 Brugge Today van 10:00 tot 17:00

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