The hidden treasures of St. James' church

St. James' Church is one of seven historic churches in the inner city of Bruges.

Due to the strong population growth in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, new parishes are established in Bruges. Thus, in 1240 the old parish of St. Salvator is split off.

The already existing St. James' Chapel is replaced by a modest early Gothic church. This was rebuilt in the mid-fifteenth century into the three-nave church that stands here today.

This tour takes you past the art treasures in the church, which it received from wealthy donors from the neighborhood such as members of the Burgundian court, foreign bankers and prosperous craft guilds. So people of distinction, many of whom also found their final resting place in the church. The hidden treasures of St. James' church represent a wide range of diverse art styles over ten centuries, ranging from Gothic over Renaissance to Baroque and Rococo.

Five works of art have been included on the Flemish Government's List of Top Items. This gives rare or indispensable works of art extra protection, and it is agreed that these works of art must be preserved in Flanders.

How do you go about it?

Enter a number from 1 to 15 via the keypad, go to the right location in the church and get more info about the heritage treasures at that spot. The red numbers invite you to explore the five masterpieces on the Flemish Government's Masterpiece List.

🕑 30 min.