Contrary to what many tourists expect, visitors today are not confronted with a medieval Bruges. Although the city exudes the atmosphere of yesteryear, it has undergone radical changes over the years and has taken on different appearances. Until the19th century, when the desire for a Gothic Bruges became too great...
Introduction of Neo-Gothic architecture in Bruges
In response to the prevailing neoclassical architecture of the19th century, the English in Bruges sparked an interest in culture, and with it a desire for neo-Gothic architecture. Whereas neoclassicism drew on Greek and Roman building styles and emphasized symmetry and purity, neo-Gothic architecture followed medieval building traditions. It contrasted with the coolness of neoclassicism and made lavish use of pointed arches, tall windows, verticality, stained glass windows, etc. It is therefore not surprising that this new architectural style, which draws on medieval forms, has gained a foothold in a city like Bruges.
City architect Louis Delacenserie
At the Academy of Fine Arts in Bruges, where Louis Delacenserie (1839-1909) began his studies in architecture in 1853, the neoclassical style was almost exclusively taught. After his appointment as city architect of Bruges, Delacenserie became very popular by restoring buildings to their original condition on the basis of thorough historical and architectural research. He was a jack of all trades and did not limit himself to one style, which earned him much praise from the city's residents.
Some major neo-Gothic projects in Delacenserie's oeuvre include the restoration of the Provincial Court on the Market Square and the Toll House near Jan Van Eyck Square. In addition, he is responsible for various 'artistic repairs', restoring modernized Bruges facades to their original medieval condition. Delacenserie is also responsible for the restoration of several facades in the Theater District and the surrounding streets.
The Provincial Court
After a devastating fire caused irreversible damage to the Provincial Court on March 2, 1878, it became necessary to draw up a new design for the monument.
The former neoclassical building that housed the provincial administration was restored to its original state by Louis Delacenserie and architect René Buyck (1850-1923) with a neo-Gothic design, following much discussion about the architectural style. Construction began in 1887. Delacenserie and Buyck thus changed the appearance of the Grote Markt, which to this day is representative of the rest of the city.
One of the distinctive features of the Provincial Court is the monumental staircase that provides visitors with access to the building. With its stone cross windows, Gothic tracery, dormer windows in the hipped roof, and corner turrets, Delacenserie makes a reference to old Bruges, in particular to the town hall and the House of the Lords of Gruuthuse. The sculptors Gustaaf and Hendrik Pickery, J. B. Bethune, Dr. De Meyer, and the glassmaker Jules Dobbelaere are responsible for the coats of arms, the sculptures, the stained-glass windows, and the floors. In 2020, the Provincial Court will undergo further extensive changes. The entire interior and exterior have now been restored to their former glory. The stately building will be returned to the citizens at the beginning of 2024 and will become an 'open house', accessible to everyone.
The Toll House
As an important trading center, medieval Bruges levied tolls on the import and export of goods. The system proved to be a huge source of income for the city and required the appropriate infrastructure. Like the Provincial Court, the Tolhuis, which was built in phases, underwent extensive restoration by Louis Delacenserie. After it was purchased by the Bruges city council in 1876, Delacenserie carefully restored the elements that had already disappeared between 1882 and 1884. He restored the facade and the staircase to their original condition. In 1889, the ground floor became a fire station and in 1995, the building complex was purchased by the province.
There is no denying that Louis Delacenserie has fundamentally changed the current appearance of Bruges. His significant influence on the city remains palpable.
Out and about with the ErfgoedApp
Learn more about Delacenserie's achievements with the Delacenserie walk in the ErfgoedApp experience Bruges' neo-Gothic architecture for yourself! Louis Delacenserie also explains his most important architectural achievements and looks back on Bruges as a medieval trading center.
