Hof der dingen - Brick of the foundations of the Sint Donation’s Church (Crowne Plaza, Bruges)

In the heart of Bruges, beneath the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Burg Square, you can still find traces of a distant past. 

In the hotel’s basement, visitors can marvel at the ancient, uncovered foundations of the 10thcentury Saint-Donation’s Church - once the court chapel of the counts of Flanders. The Roman Catholic church was the largest in the city, distinguished by its unique octagonal main building, central tower, and a sixteen-sided ambulatory – a covered passage behind the high altar. 

Tragically, the church was destroyed in 1799, during the dissolution of the Diocese of Bruges, during the aftermath of the French Revolution. Its foundations were discovered in 1955 during construction works. 

One particularly poignant chapter of its history unfolded in 1127, when Count Charles the Good was assassinated inside the church. Just moments earlier, he had attended morning mass and distributed alms to the poor. This brick is a tangible reminder of the rich and turbulent history of Bruges – and this pivotal chapter in Bruges’ history. 

We’re thankful to the Crowne Plaza Hotel for preserving this piece of heritage for us to explore!