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Jerusalem Church (Jeruzalemkerk)

Bruges, Belgium
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Ranked #16 of 42 attractions in Bruges
Type: Religious Sites, Historic Sites
16 visitor photos
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57 reviews from our community

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Stone Mountain, Georgia
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

It is a small church with pews on the ground floor facing an upper level about 15 feet higher which holds the altar and reached by ladders on either side. Its design is apparently based on that of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Of added interest at the time of my visit was the ability to visit a back room... More

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Okemos, MI
Top Contributor
76 reviews 76 reviews
22 attraction reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
41 helpful votes 41 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013 NEW

It's in a very quiet part of the city and the exterior doesn't prepare you for how eerie it is inside. The church is shallow but quite tall, and in addition to the model of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, there's stone work with skulls behind the altar.

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See 10 more reviews by LevRaphael for Bruges
gold coast
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346 reviews 346 reviews
235 attraction reviews
Reviews in 97 cities Reviews in 97 cities
86 helpful votes 86 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

The Jerusalem church was built in mostly in the 15th century and is a well preserved mediaeval church. It is called Jerusalem church as it was designed after the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. There are beautiful original stained glass windows inside. The octagonal tower is most unusual to say the least.

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See 12 more reviews by eaa1947 for Bruges
Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
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125 reviews 125 reviews
71 attraction reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 April 2013

This is not as ornate as some of the other churches in Bruges, but it’s peaceful, and the open tower behind the altar lets in plenty of light. The altar itself is pretty strange as it features both skulls and the tools of various trades. There’s an undercroft (?), and what looks like a holy relic in a phial, and... More

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See 30 more reviews by Simon A for Bruges
Bishop Auckland, Durham
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173 reviews 173 reviews
51 attraction reviews
Reviews in 109 cities Reviews in 109 cities
94 helpful votes 94 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 March 2013

We were here alone on a very cold day; this place is so atmospheric. St Ann's Quarter fast became our favourite part of Bruges and this was our favourite church with it's amazing altar which deserves closer inspection. Next door is the Lace Museum with beautiful examples of old lace and you must be there in the afternoon to watch... More

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See 6 more reviews by flowerlady64 for Bruges
London, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
63 reviews 63 reviews
29 attraction reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 March 2013

...radical repair and refurbishment when we visited, so unable to give a proper rating as there was not a great deal that was accessible. However, very evident that it will be a major attraction again when completed

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See 18 more reviews by BPB_11 for Bruges
Cologne, Germany
Senior Contributor
46 reviews 46 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 February 2013

Do try and find some time to visit this little church which is slightly out of the main tourist routes. We went on a Saturday midday and we had it all to ourselves. Very interesting church, unusually designed, but beautiful.

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See 5 more reviews by Jason W for Bruges
New York City, New York
Top Contributor
417 reviews 417 reviews
272 attraction reviews
Reviews in 38 cities Reviews in 38 cities
176 helpful votes 176 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 January 2013

During our 3-day stay in Bruges, we stayed pretty much within the historical centre - it was convenient, and also most of Bruges' noteworthy sights are to be found there. However, if you are willing to walk a bit, you can find some other interesting gems, and this church (and the Lace Museum which is connected to it) is one... More

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See 20 more reviews by Charming_Karl for Bruges
Memphis, Tennessee, United States
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5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 January 2013

Another reviewer mentioned that Tim Burton would like this church, and due to its macabre but spiritual architecture I would agree. Interesting architectural elements, a look back into the ages of the crusades, and a crypt which makes one feel as though it's inhabitants are patiently awaiting the return of Christ makes this church worth a visit. Don't forget to... More

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See 2 more reviews by Ashleigh W for Bruges
New York City, New York
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138 reviews 138 reviews
40 attraction reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
37 helpful votes 37 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 January 2013

A little off the beaten path, but well worth the walk. This strange little church built by a wealthy Italian family has a very unusual design and some quirky features.

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See 16 more reviews by slsnyc for Bruges

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