Visit to St. Salvator’s Cathedral Bruges, Belgium
Sint Salvators Kathedral is a newer Bruges cathedral than Our Beloved Lady right nearby.
Holy St Salvator Cathedral in Bruges was built on the destructed remains of old parish church of 12th century. The French had destroyed this in the late 17th century. The present structure that we get to see is from 17th century.
Saint Salvator Cathedral Bruges
Sint Salvators Kathedraal History
It may surprise you to know that this cathedral was a church once, much smaller in size. It is the oldest Parish church of Bruges, escaping all war related damages (thanks to its size!). At that time, the Sint-Donaaskathedraal (St. Donatian’s Cathedral) located at the heart of Bruges, opposite the City Hall, was the main religious building of the city. It remained so from 10th century till the French destroyed it in 18th century.
Bruges was under French occupation till 1830. After Belgium got independence St Salvator church was given the status of cathedral. However the authorities found it to be a small structure to match the reputation of cathedral.
Here are some pictures from the interior of Holy Saviour Cathedral Bruges. The Reliquary at St. Savior, Bruges.
Interior of Sint Salvators Kathedral
The ceiling, my neck ached to get a proper shot of this view.
Ceiling of Sint Salvators kathedral Bruges
Bruges Cathedral Construction
Building a higher and more impressive tower was one of the viable options. Robert Chantrell, an English architect, famous for his neo-Gothic restorations of English churches, worked to restore St. Salvator to its former glory.
A higher tower, in order to make it taller than that of Church of Our Lady was built on the oldest surviving part. The fortress-like neo-Romanesque west tower is 99 meters high.
The statue of the bishop in marble, very beautifully sculpted details.
The huge stained glass windows, each picture telling a story. Wish I had enough time to grasp all.
Stained glass window of Bruges Cathedral
Treasury of Cathedral Bruges
The treasury houses numerous reliquaries, old paintings, displays of vestments. Objects of interest are the 2 important triptychs: Martyrdom of St. Hippolytus (1470) graphic by Dirck Bouts and Supper (1599) by Peter Pourbus. Treasury has different visiting hours, so please plan the trip accordingly if you wish to visit.
The organ, one of my favorite subject to photograph inside a church.
Organ in Sint Salvators Kathedral
Interesting Facts of Bruges Cathedral
Importance: Largest Parish in the City
Architecture: The architectural style of Sint-Salvatorskathedral is a unique mix of different styles dating from as far back as 9th century.
Organ: Originally built by Jacobus Van Eynde (1717–1719) and was expanded and rebuilt three times later in the 20th century. The organ is played in services and in the Kathedraalconcerten, a concert series founded in 1952.
Event: The church holds the largest congregation in Bruges.
Furnishings: Stunning tapestries in the cathedral are by Jasper van der Borcht in 1731.
Other names: Sint-salvatorskathedraal, Sint Salvators Kathedral, Saint Savior’s Cathedral, Bruges Cathedral
Tourist Information
Address: Sint-Salvatorskoorstraat 8, Bruges, Belgium, 8000
Timings: The cathedral is not open to visitors during liturgical services.
Treasury timings: Monday to Friday 10 AM to 12.30 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM. Saturday 10 AM to 12.30 PM. Sunday 2 PM to 5 PM.
Closed on 1/1, 26/5, 24/12 and 25/12.
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Amazing captures, Indrani!
The bishop looked like he had found the exactly right position to admire that ceiling.
i'm speechless! this is just a beautiful church.
and yes, the organ is its piece de resistance. *-*
Indrani, what a beautiful church. I always love the stained glass windows. Thanks for sharing, have a great day.
These rae amazing. The reposed figure is really neat. So casual.
very nice arts and ornaments inside the church. Thanks for sharing.
The ceiling and organ are amazing.
Good photos!!
Hugs
SUeAnn
Great tour!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Nice pictures. A very interesting place.
Gorgeous shots – especially that one of the roof!
Bruges is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing many of the interesting places of the town. The canals in one of your previous posts fascinated me.
The glass work is eye captivating! Very nice!
What a beautiful church and your photos are wonderful as always, Indrani! My neck ached just looking at your capture of the ceiling! Incredible details!