Adornesdomein (Adornes estate)

Step into the cobbled courtyard of the Adornes estate and it will immediately seem as if you have travelled hundreds of years back in time. The site oozes medieval grandeur. The Adornes family, who came from Genoa in Italy, settled in Bruges around 1300. With their strong instinct for business, strategic marriages and good connections, the family rose to the highest echelons of power. In Bruges in the 15th century, the family belonged to the elite and held key positions in political and economic life.

History of the Adornes estate
In this period, the Adornes estate took shape: a majestic town house, a spacious private garden and a family chapel in which to share faith and knowledge. For the chapel, the brothers Jacob and Peter II Adornes gained permission from the pope that was usually only granted to parish churches. The chapel was consecrated in 1429. However, Anselm Adornes, the most famous of the family's offspring and the son of Peter II, ordered the rebuilding of the family chapel. The result is the remarkable Jerusalem Chapel, inspired by the Holy Sepulchre Church in Jerusalem, with an Eastern-style tower, among other things.

A glimpse inside the Jerusalem Chapel
The architecture, furnishings and remarkable relics in the Jerusalem Chapel illustrate the tremendous regard that the Adornes family had for the holy city. A flavour of what you can find there:

• the ‘Grave monument of Anselm Adornes and Margaretha van der Banck’. A royal tomb made by Cornelis Tielman. Anselm was murdered in Scotland, and he is also buried there. His heart alone was taken to the tomb, where it lies in eternal rest beside his wife. 
• the ‘Golgotha altarpiece’. An impressive statue made of white limestone and representing Calvary, where Christ was crucified. 
• ancient stained glass windows. Made around 1560, these are the oldest stained glass windows in Bruges. They tell the long and impressive story of the Adornes family in a show of light and colour. 
• triptych of the 'Enthroned Madonna and Child’: shows Mary with baby Jesus in her arms. The side panels portray Saint Barbara (right) and Saint Catharine (left). 
• triptych of ‘Christ on the Cross’. A painting commissioned in the 16th century by Bruges' Burgomaster Jan de la Coste, descendant of the Adornes family. The central panel shows Christ on the Cross. Bruges can be seen in the distance, recognised by towers that still mark the skyline today. 

Even today, the private chapel is still used by the family for religious occasions. Classical concerts or lectures on heritage and art are also held here occasionally.

More must sees
In an act of charity, Anselm Adornes had several almshouses built on the estate for single women. These former almshouses are now the perfect starting point for your visit. In a museum display, you will learn about the Adornes family. In particular, you will get to know Anselm Adornes better. Trade, diplomacy and devotion were a common theme throughout his lifetime. His most notable achievement was a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1470, during which he braved countless dangers.

Duke and Duchess Maximilien de Limburg Stirum are the descendants of Anselm and already the seventeenth generation in Bruges since the first offspring, Opicius Adornes. With the motto ‘share to revive, revive to preserve’, they share their family history and heritage with great passion. They also regularly organise exhibitions of contemporary art in an effort to explore Belgian art and artistic trends and share them with the international audience.

After your visit, you can relax and share memories in the elegance of The Scottish Lounge, a cosy ‘honesty lounge’ where you immediately feel at home. Serve yourself and leave the money for a drink or snack in a piggy bank. During the summer, you can access the magnificent garden from The Scottish Lounge.

Virtual tour
Feeling curious? Be sure to get a virtual glimpse of the Jerusalem Chapel.