Sint-Walburgakerk, Baroque parish church in central Bruges, Belgium.
Sint-Walburgakerk is a Baroque parish church in central Bruges featuring an ornate marble altar and a carved oak pulpit inside. The interior displays craftsmanship from several 17th-century artisans working in different mediums.
Construction of the building began in 1619 under architect Pieter Huyssens and was completed in 1643, initially serving as a Jesuit church. In 1777 it became the parish church of Saint Walburga and has retained that function since.
The church stands as one of the few Baroque religious buildings in Bruges, distinguishing itself from the predominant Gothic architecture throughout the medieval city center. Visitors immediately notice this different style when walking through the surrounding streets.
The building is located at Sint-Maartensplein and is open to visitors Friday through Monday in the afternoon. Entry is free, and the church is easily accessible on foot from the city center.
During the French Revolution in 1794, the building was converted into a Temple of Reason but managed to keep its original artworks and decoration. This unusual circumstance allowed the church to preserve its interior furnishings through a turbulent period.
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