Grootseminarie (Major Seminary)

A unique place in the city with an orchard and meadows with grazing cows. Between 1628 and 1642 a new Cistercian abbey (the Dune Abbey) was built here, which would become famous for their wealth and the wisdom of its inhabitants. During the French Revolution, the abbey was declared a national asset and the abbot and his monks were expelled. The abbey buildings successively served as a military hospital, military depot and royal athenaeum, before they housed the Major Seminary in 1833.

To this day, ministers of worship for the Diocese of Bruges are trained here. The archive and library house a unique collection of manuscripts and books. The Major Seminary is also home to BIBLIA – a Biblical Experience Centre.