A (photo-) blog about the beautiful Belgian town Bruges as seen through the very two eyes of an inhabitant. Sharp, witty, and... always admiring.
25-04-2006
Statue of Mary
This statue of Mary in the niche is by sculptor Jan Delcourt (1627-1707) of Liege. It is made from Carrara marble. There is an abundance of marble in this church. For the altar alone, 23 different kinds of marble were used, all bought in Rome but coming from Persia and Egypt.
25-04-2006, 00:00 geschreven door Blog from Bruges
Having a look inside
. ... the church of the English convent.
25-04-2006, 00:00 geschreven door Blog from Bruges
Carmersstreet
Back to the Carmersstreet and the English convent with its dome, which dominates the area. Notice the wall, to the right, where it says "Annaatje van 't Putje". (Anna of the Well). I will come back to that a bit later.
25-04-2006, 00:00 geschreven door Blog from Bruges
The Sacred Blood Procession
And the procession is still not here. Public interest is huge. Everybody is now occupying her or his spot on each side of the street, except for a few latecomers who are still running on the pavement, but, police officers will soon warn them to either go back or stay on the side. Another few minutes of patience and the procession will be passing.
25-04-2006, 00:00 geschreven door Blog from Bruges
gracious nuns
The nuns of the English convent were very welcoming and most pleasant.
25-04-2006, 00:00 geschreven door Blog from Bruges
24-04-2006
Poppies
"I blow out the light of the moon and only the poppies are giving light" This is what is written at the entrance to the restored Weavers Court. A hundred years ago, the Weavers Court was still one of those "forts" where more than a hundred poor people lived, packed together in abominably inhuman conditions. Nowadays, less than ten people do live there, ineed in vastly more comfortable circumstances. And, in my opinion, they have inherited the most beautiful of the city's mottoes or proverbs. Well, a good night to all, count poppies rather than sheep and... see you tomorrow.
24-04-2006, 00:00 geschreven door Blog from Bruges
Soccer Club Bruges
Yesterday, a very special event took place : the soccer derby between Club Brugge and Cercle Brugge. Well, it is always special. It happens twice every year, at least, for as long as the Cercle succeeds in hanging on to its position in the First National. Yesterday, Club won 2-0 against Cercle and, respecting tradition, the Club's flags are raised and displayed in the days following the event. To the sorrow and spite of the Cercle supporters.
24-04-2006, 00:00 geschreven door Blog from Bruges
Because.... Spring is coming
... and here is the Sun. The small tower in the background sits atop the tiny church of the Begijnhof (convent).
24-04-2006, 00:00 geschreven door Blog from Bruges
Colours coming back in Bruges
Let's leave the English convent for now and have a look ouside. It's nice to see that Bruges, after the long winter, is finally getting some colours again.
24-04-2006, 00:00 geschreven door Blog from Bruges
Many people
As is shown by this photo, there was considerable interest for the English convent. Notice the organ, at the right, which dates back to 1895 and was a gift to the convent by the family of one of the nuns of that time. Straight in front of us you see the chancel, which is no longer being used. Lay persons are allowed to come to mass here, and are now sharing the ground floor with the nuns. Previously, that is, intul the Vatican II Synod, the nuns had to remain separated from the public. Which they did by sitting in the chancel.
24-04-2006, 00:00 geschreven door Blog from Bruges
deus charitas est
This is the illustration of the godly virtues faith, hope and love, and the triumphant lamb as symbol of Christ who, by sacrificing himself, achieved the gift of absolute love.
24-04-2006, 00:00 geschreven door Blog from Bruges
The English Convent
Today, you can expect several photos taken at the English Convent. Yesterday, Heritage Day, the nuns of the Nazareth Monasterium opened their convent, from 1:45 till 6:00 p.m., to the public. The monastery is called "the English Convent" because, during the French Revolution, the nuns had to flee to England, from where they came back eight years after that episode. They are canonesses of Saint Augustine. Looking at the cupola, there is Saint Augustine, being symbolically taken up into the glory of Heaven. Churches with cupolas are exceptions. The guides do like to explain that this cupola-structure was chosen because it created superior accoustics. All the wall-paintings were done by Emile Hirsch, in 1870. (A note for movie-fans : no, it is definitely not the actor of the same name.) A bit further on we find an illustration of the three godly virtues Faith, Hope and Love. The triumphant lamb is the symbol of Christ who achieved the gift of absolute love through his sacrifice.
24-04-2006, 00:00 geschreven door Blog from Bruges
The Sacred Blood Procession
The daily "Sacred Blood Procession" photo. No, the Procession is not here yet. On the Market, the grandstands have been installed. Slowly but surely, people are trying to find the spot where they will be. On this side, they are waiting behind the bariers. Notice the scale model of the Belfort and the flat area specially prepared for the blind.
24-04-2006, 00:00 geschreven door Blog from Bruges
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