Koninklijke hoofdgilde van Sint-Sebastiaan, Historic guild house in Brugge, Belgium.
The Royal Guild of Saint-Sebastian occupies a medieval building in Carmersstraat with distinctive Flemish architecture, a stepped gable, and ornate stonework across its facade. Inside, the structure contains a dedicated shooting range and rooms displaying historical documents and archery equipment from different periods.
The guild was founded around 1375 and took permanent residence in this building in 1573, establishing its base for operations that continue to this day. This location has housed the archer's association for over 450 years without interruption.
The guild house displays archery equipment and personal items from members that reflect how important this association was to Bruges society over the centuries. Walking through the rooms gives you a sense of the role that archery played in the city's civic life.
The location is in use on Monday evenings when members gather for archery practice and traditional ceremonies. It's best to contact ahead before visiting, as the spaces are primarily used for guild activities.
The guild maintains an archive with manuscripts and records reaching back to 1416, making it one of Belgium's oldest continuous documentary collections. These valuable records provide insight into the lives and practices of the archers across many generations.
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