Bruges central cemetery: beauty amongst the fallen
Tired of the same old touristic places? Need some peace and quiet? Maybe it's time for a truly authentic experience just out of town. Idyllic, melancholic, romantic, historic, fascinating and inspiring...
The story of this alluring cemetery at the edge of Bruges goes back to 1784 (a medieval long time ago), when Emperor Joseph II was ruling over the Holy Roman Empire, which covered central Europe and its surrounding terrain.
Joseph II determined that no one could be buried in a church or inside the town of Bruges. Because his decree, the city of Bruges bought an extra piece of terrain at a border town called 'Assebroek' and set it up as a cemetery. It was expanded between 1841 and 1864, and has an impressive surface of 12 hectare.
How to get there
You can easily reach the cemetery by leaving the center of town through the Katelijnepoort, located in the south east district of Bruges. Just follow the main road (Baron Ruzettelaan) and stay on the left side. Careful of high density traffic! (especially between 17 and 18 pm). Go straight ahead until you reach the "Kleine Kerkhofstraat". Walk a little further for a more glorious entrance at the next street to your left, "Brugs-Kerkhofstraat".
Central cemetery main entrance.
Brugs-Kerkhofstraat, view from across the road.
The central cemetery
The cemetery grounds are a thing of melancholic beauty. Upon entering, you'll be surrounded by extraordinary graves and idyllic nature.
Go ahead and discover! Just follow the many walkways and take a curious look around.
General information and history
The central cemetery of Bruges has a rich history. You can visit a small exhibition near the main entrance to gain some interesting knowledge about the town and its people, gravestone architecture, sculptures and some of the symbolism behind it.
The exhibition building (on your right from the main entrance, follow the green signpost)
Inside this small but remarkable exhibition building you'll find some general information about the cemetery and it's environment. Art history, folklore, architecture,... as well as some interesting sculptures from forgotten graves.
Symbols of time and death
Cemetery treasures
War graves
Keep following the right side, starting from the main entrance, to visit the cemetery's Commonwealth war graves and its monuments.
A little history:
"The British Expeditionary Force was involved in the later stages of the defence of Belgium following the German invasion in May 1940, and suffered many casualties in covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk. Commonwealth forces did not return until September 1944, but in the intervening years, many airmen were shot down or crashed in raids on strategic objectives in Belgium, or while returning from missions over Germany. The Commonwealth plot in Brugge General Cemetery contains 81 Second World War burials and one Dutch war grave. The Belgian military plot contains one Commonwealt burial of the First World War." (CWGC)
Commonwealth war graves from WWI & II
Picturesque spots and sculptures
Keep your eyes peeled when strolling around...
The cemetery today
The central cemetery of Bruges is more than history. It's still a home for people who passed away, in and around the town of Bruges. Recent graves and memorials can be found at the other side of the terrain. This part has an entrance that exits on the "kerhofblommenstraat", roughly translated: cemetery flower street.
Entrance to the 'modern' cemetery at kerkhofblommenstraat.
Recent graves and memorials
Terrain maintenance
Weed killers and pesticides are avoided on the cemetery grounds. The area is carefully watched by the local greenery department ('groendienst'). Fixed vegetation keeps the area ecological and clean!
Around the area
Hungry? Go grab a deliciously filled bread roll with some coffee and/or soup at Café Pistolet. Combine that with a fresh beer or a daring cocktail, if you're feeling lucky.
Café Pistolet (Oude Kortrijkstraat 4)
In need of a more lively atmosphere? Go visit the animal farm of Bruges. Great fun with friends, family and kids. There's also a large cafetaria there.
Animal farm (Canadaring 41)
Central cemetery visiting hours
From April 1st to October 15th: Monday - Friday from 8am to 6pm
From October 16th to March 31st: Monday- Friday from 8am to 5pm
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