Guido Gezelle and St. Anne's quarter
When it comes to Language, Belgium has a lot of famous and important writers and poets to offer.
Moreover when being in Bruges you will probably come across the name Guido Gezelle and places or even streets including this name.
Guido Gezelle, who was born on 1 May 1830 and died on 27 November 1899, is a roman catholic priest and teacher but especially considered the most important Flemish poet of the 19th century.
There are many places in Bruges which are dedicated to the well-known poet Gezelle.
For example the Guido Gezelleplein, a square where you can enjoy a nice view of a lovely statue of Gezelle.
However, the most important place dedicated to him can be found just a few minutes from the historic city centre namely the Gezellemuseum.
The building itself is already reminiscent to Gezelle, as it is the house where he was born.
The museum is the perfect opportunity to learn and get to know more about the life and work of this amazing poet.
Even though the museum might initially be aimed at Dutch speaking visitors, it is still worth a visit. They do also offer translation texts in different languages so that you do not miss any important information of the exhibition.
The old building where the museum is located, is very nice to see and a garden belongs to it as well. In this big and beautiful oasis Jan Fabre’s The Man Who Gives a Light is the main attraction. The museum itself consists of 3 small rooms where you can discover some of his poems as well as some furniture, like the desk at which he wrote most of his texts. Also some of his original papers are preserved here.
Opening hours Gezellemuseum:
Tuesday to Sunday: 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5.00pm
Last admission: 12.00pm and 4.30pm
If you do not feel like visiting the Museum of Guido Gezelle, you still have the chance to go for a walk in the lovely surroundings where he grew up and discover the neighborhood which is well worth seeing.
Saint Anne’s quarter is Bruges most striking working-class part. The area offers many fascinating places, like the medieval Jerusalem Chapel and the Adornes Estate for example. You can also spot some of the lovely windmills of Bruges, when having a walk through the streets and along the ramparts.
The Adornes Estate is an authentic medieval complex which is still owned by the Adornes family, a prominent Bruges merchant family of Genovese origin.
You also have the chance to visit this impressive domain, as the family opened it for visitors to share their interesting and impressive history.
Part of the private property is the Jerusalem Chapel, which was inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. It is a small but fascinating church which oozes a special atmosphere.
Opening hours Adornes Estate and Jerusalem Chapel:
Monday to Saturday: 10.00am to 5.00pm
