Private oratory and gallery restored
Photo: Jan Darthet
Hidden in a corner of the upper chapel is one of the most intimate and rarely seen rooms in the Adornes domain: the private oratory of the Adornes family. This small chapel, consisting of a fully painted corridor and an octagonal prayer room, was used to discreetly follow the services in the Jerusalem Chapel. Via the restored gallery, the oratory is connected to the private house, a structure reminiscent of the Gruuthuse Palace, where Louis of Gruuthuse connected his residence to the Church of Our Lady in 1472. For the first time ever, both rooms are open to the public.
“The colourful splendour of the walls envelops me like a blanket of beauty. If there is one place in Bruges where you can breathe in the fifteenth century in peace and quiet, it is here.”
Like the rest of the Jerusalem Chapel, this devotional space was richly decorated with personal symbols of the family; the cloud emblem, the Catherine wheel and the Jerusalem cross are numerous among the vault ribs. The paintings date from the early sixteenth century, with later additions in the nineteenth century. The recent restoration of these rooms marks a new and important step in the further opening up of the Adornes domain to the public.
Photo: Jan Darthet
“The history of Flanders comes to life in this chapel. It offers a direct glimpse into the 15th century. This place is unique and authentic and should be cherished. Now that it is open to the public, everyone can discover this intimate corner for themselves.”
The restoration of the oratory and adjoining gallery was carried out with respect for the authenticity of the spaces. More extensive structural repairs were needed in the gallery. The two stained-glass windows were restored and reinstalled, and a new window was installed offering a view of the almshouses. During the work on the roof truss, original wooden beams were uncovered, which are now visible again. Flanders co-invested in this restoration.
Although you cannot enter the prayer chapel itself – the space is narrow and the murals too fragile – a glass wall allows you to see inside this hidden space for the first time. In the gallery, which connects the Jerusalem Chapel and the private house, you will feel as if you have been transported back to the fifteenth century and discover a previously unknown piece of Bruges' heritage. This space also features an exceptional alabaster statue of Saint Catherine, which is inextricably linked to Anselm Adornes.
“With the opening of this restored oratory, the people of Bruges and visitors will get their first glimpse into one of the most intimate and surprising heritage sites in our city. This small but movingly beautiful space reminds us of the deep religious and cultural layers that have shaped Bruges over the centuries. Thanks to this restoration, this unique piece of Bruges’ past has been given a new lease of life.”
