A Celestial Jerusalem in Bruges

The Adornes family has left a special legacy that can be admired to this day in Bruges. The Adornes Estate with its mansion and alms-houses reminds us of the family’s aristocratic lifestyle. The fascinating Jerusalem Chapel, a replica of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, brought great prestige to the Adornes family with its unusual architecture and powerful symbolism.

Who were the Adornes? When did they arrive in Bruges and how did they establish their position as one of the most influential Bruges families of the fifteenth century? Ten authors, led by historians Jan Dumolyn and Noël Geirnaert, highlight the different facets of this extraordinary dynasty: from a critical genealogical analysis to a study of the collections, including an analysis of the architectural heritage and a presentation of current management aspects of this historical treasure which is still owned privately by its founders’ descendants.