Sint-Walburgakerk, Baroque parish church in central Bruges, Belgium.
Sint-Walburgakerk is a Baroque church on Sint-Maartensplein in Bruges, built of brick with a sandstone facade inspired by the Church of the Gesù in Rome. Its pale grey and tan stone front rises in tiers, with a sculpted figure in a niche above the doorway, volutes holding circular medallions, and a red brick wall adjoining on the right. Inside, a white barrel-vaulted nave is lined by tall columns with grey bases, leading to a dark high altar with a central oval painting.
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.
The white marble communion rail of 1695 by Hendrik Frans Verbruggen spans the full 24-metre width of the church and carries ten medallions with eucharistic symbols and Jesuit saints. Valentin Vermeersch called it the finest piece of church furniture in Bruges.
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