The English Convent
The English Convent
4.5
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Neighborhood: St-anna
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693 within 3 miles
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188 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
35 reviews
Excellent
16
Very good
13
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
0
GoGo2SlowGo
Denton, TX1,535 contributions
Aug 2019
You might see it called Callejón del Asno Ciego but it is an English Convent. Many Catholic nuns from England were banished by their King when Catholicism was declared to be illegal. This convent has been around since the 1600's and the current group of nuns have a lot of history to impart.
Hours can vary and a contribution to the order would appropriate if you spend some time with one of the sisters.
Hours can vary and a contribution to the order would appropriate if you spend some time with one of the sisters.
Written March 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tim B
Cromer, UK351 contributions
Sep 2014 • Solo
This is a religious house, so they live a cloistered life. The hours for visiting are restricted: but persist. It is beautiful. The chapel (with its domed roof - at one time unique to Bruges) is very beautiful and has survived the many trials and tribulations of this community. They have now disposed of much of their property (farmland and the former dormitory for guests), but they still retain the delightful heart of the community. We were taken further into the community's enclosure to see their meeting rooms and the famous (almost unique) painting of St. Thomas More - as one of their former Superiors was a direct descendant of his. We were also taken out into the open air cloister to see the names of all the past Sisters going back hundreds of years - with some very famous (and grand) aristocratic members in the past! The Sisters were delightful and obviously love having guests: though their future is uncertain as there is now so few of them. The Convent is quite a way from the centre of town - but seek it out, it is well worth the walk through some delightful parts of the residential side of the city. But it is an unassuming place - so look up for the dome - or you might miss it.
Written September 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PortiaDaisy
Whitesville, KY166 contributions
Nov 2013 • Couples
We had a very rewarding visit to this lovely convent in Bruge. Open in the afternoon from 2:00 to 3:30 and again 4:15 to 5:00. Enter the courtyard when the door is open and ring the reception bell. A Sister will respond, brief you on the history of the convent, and escort you to the chapel. The Order, founded in 1629 in Bruges, has strong links to Sir Thomas More, of whom the posses a relic which you may view. Definitely worth a pilgrimage.
Written November 7, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MarcT555
Phoenix231 contributions
May 2014 • Family
Personally, I enjoy visiting churches more than visiting museums. They are each unique and at the same time more peaceful and intimate. This is no exception - yet it is the exception. Keep in mind, this is a convent and not necessarily a tourist destination. While they do accept visitors, access and times are very limited. We were fortunate that we stumbled across this at just the right time. If open for visiting, ring the bell and go inside. Be quiet and respectful, please. You will be led through the sacristy to the church itself. A wonderful dome, beautiful paintings and a very intimate environment. As alwayswhen visiting a church as a tourist, leave a donation in the box on your way out - especially if you are taking photographs.
Written June 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Johan D
Waterloo, Belgium93 contributions
Nov 2014 • Solo
This is one of the so many hidden religious-cultural treasures of the City of Bruges, with its roots going back to the XVIth Century & the period of Reformation & Persecution of the Catholics (the "Papists") in England.
Written November 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Adrian B
Canberra, Australia53 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
Lovely to visit the English Convent today, especially as I believe my late mother was a student there from 1937-39. A very kind Sister showed me around and explained the convent's history. A memorable visit!
Written May 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Angela B
Leighton Buzzard, UK296 contributions
Jan 2019
I visited here and what a beautiful and very special place this is.
There are limited opening times and if you do visit, you will find this one of the most undiscovered places on earth.
I was treated to a tour by sister Frances (I did visit some time ago do sorry for the delay) and given a tour. Thank you for your kindness.
I found out so many interesting facts, but I won’t spoil the fun of your own discoveries. I can say there are only a few nuns left and I was taken into the domed church and we did sing in there. In the 70s it was a B&B and I do know someone who visited there which is do quaint.
It is absolutely stunning!
Do take the time to stop by and discover what an incredible building this is. I must also visit again one day.
There are limited opening times and if you do visit, you will find this one of the most undiscovered places on earth.
I was treated to a tour by sister Frances (I did visit some time ago do sorry for the delay) and given a tour. Thank you for your kindness.
I found out so many interesting facts, but I won’t spoil the fun of your own discoveries. I can say there are only a few nuns left and I was taken into the domed church and we did sing in there. In the 70s it was a B&B and I do know someone who visited there which is do quaint.
It is absolutely stunning!
Do take the time to stop by and discover what an incredible building this is. I must also visit again one day.
Written December 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amieeleanne
London, UK45 contributions
Jan 2018 • Friends
We came across this by chance
There is certain times you can visit all after 2pm you go in and ring the bell we were met by a sister who was very welcoming
Sister Franics took us to the chapel
Well educated lady she sang to us and said a
Prayer she asked first if we wanted this
It’s an experience I can’t explain
I’m so pleased we went here
The sisters are amazing Laddies there are only 8 left that live there two were very poorly
So sad
You have to go and visit it’s right next to the windmills and very close to the lace factory
Please go and visit and spread the word
Amazing place the chapel is absolutely stunning
Make sure you look up and the celling
There is certain times you can visit all after 2pm you go in and ring the bell we were met by a sister who was very welcoming
Sister Franics took us to the chapel
Well educated lady she sang to us and said a
Prayer she asked first if we wanted this
It’s an experience I can’t explain
I’m so pleased we went here
The sisters are amazing Laddies there are only 8 left that live there two were very poorly
So sad
You have to go and visit it’s right next to the windmills and very close to the lace factory
Please go and visit and spread the word
Amazing place the chapel is absolutely stunning
Make sure you look up and the celling
Written January 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robby G C
Toronto, Canada78,235 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
After our visit to the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ter Potterie, it was time to visit the English Convent. They have specified times to visit it. We found this out thanks to a citizen of Bruges.
Once there, we had to ring the bell and the door was opened. The head sister unlocked the gate and she led us to the chapel.
It was so beautiful! There was a painting about heaven above the altar surrounded by gold. I couldn't stop staring at it. Wow! Right behind this ceiling painting was another painting about God's throne.
The altar was simple and it had two stained-glass windows.
There was a balcony as well and a lovely organ.
Then a sister came to speak with us. When she heard, we were Canadian, she applauded our Prime Minister. She respected him. She told us that they used to be 30 sisters, but now there are 6 left. This order was persecuted by the Anglicans from Great Britain.
The sister was quite excited about a painting of an English Lord that used to be close to the king. However, he preferred to stand for God and he was persecuted and killed. While they were bringing his body to the grave, he fell and a piece of his vertebra in his neck broke off. A painting was made about him and right underneath his portrait is his vertebra.
I liked being in that convent and seeing how excited that sister was. My highlight though were the ceiling paintings. Wow! They are a must see!
Once there, we had to ring the bell and the door was opened. The head sister unlocked the gate and she led us to the chapel.
It was so beautiful! There was a painting about heaven above the altar surrounded by gold. I couldn't stop staring at it. Wow! Right behind this ceiling painting was another painting about God's throne.
The altar was simple and it had two stained-glass windows.
There was a balcony as well and a lovely organ.
Then a sister came to speak with us. When she heard, we were Canadian, she applauded our Prime Minister. She respected him. She told us that they used to be 30 sisters, but now there are 6 left. This order was persecuted by the Anglicans from Great Britain.
The sister was quite excited about a painting of an English Lord that used to be close to the king. However, he preferred to stand for God and he was persecuted and killed. While they were bringing his body to the grave, he fell and a piece of his vertebra in his neck broke off. A painting was made about him and right underneath his portrait is his vertebra.
I liked being in that convent and seeing how excited that sister was. My highlight though were the ceiling paintings. Wow! They are a must see!
Written March 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wend145
Birmingham, UK5 contributions
May 2015 • Friends
We will never forget this visit, the highlight of our holiday. We hope Sister Francis has a safe pilgrimage. 3 ladies from England.
Written May 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The English Convent, Bruges
Frequently Asked Questions about The English Convent
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