The hidden treasures of St. James’s Church

St. James's Church is one of the seven historic churches within the old city walls of Bruges. The rapid increase in population during the 13th and 14th centuries led to new parishes being set up. This began in 1240, when the old parish of St. Saviour's was split. The preexisting St. James's Chapel was replaced with a modest church in the early Gothic style. This was rebuilt in the 15th century as the threenave church we can see today.

This tour shows you the many treasures of the church, which were donated by wealthy patrons from th eneighbourhood, including the Burgundian court, foreign bankers and the rich trade guilds. These were respected members of society, many of whom found their last resting place in St. James's. These hidden treasures reflect a wide variety of different artistic styles across more than ten centuries, ranging from the Gothic to the Renaissance and the Baroque to the Rococo. Five of the church's works of art are included in the Masterpiece List drawn up by the Flemish Government. This list gives added status and protection to the region's rarest artistic gems, on the understanding that these pieces must remain in Flanders for all time.

Enter a number between 1 and 15 into the keypad and explore the church. The red numbers invite you to admire the five masterpieces included in the Masterpiece List of the Flemish Government.

🕑 30 min.