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Huize Nazareth
The English Convent, officially the Nazareth Priory of the English Canons Regular of St Augustine, was founded in 1629 when a group of English Augustinian nuns from Leuven settled in Bruges in the former Nazareth guesthouse. This gave rise to a convent for English nuns in exile, who had fled the persecutions under Henry VIII.
From around 1647, various buildings were erected for the convent, and by around 1650 a fully-fledged complex had been established thanks to local support.
In the 18th century, the complex underwent significant construction and extension works. Between 1736 and 1739, the striking domed church was built to a design by architect Hendrik Pulinx, later artistically embellished in the 19th century.
During the 19th century, the monastery developed into a renowned educational centre with a boarding school: initially mainly for English girls, and later also for Belgian and other nationalities. The Flemish priest and poet Guido Gezelle served for a time as rector and teacher at the school.
From around 1647, various buildings were erected for the convent, and by around 1650 a fully-fledged complex had been established thanks to local support.
In the 18th century, the complex underwent significant construction and extension works. Between 1736 and 1739, the striking domed church was built to a design by architect Hendrik Pulinx, later artistically embellished in the 19th century.
During the 19th century, the monastery developed into a renowned educational centre with a boarding school: initially mainly for English girls, and later also for Belgian and other nationalities. The Flemish priest and poet Guido Gezelle served for a time as rector and teacher at the school.