Steenbrugge Municipal Cemetery - Imagine The Garden

The Bruges Cemetery cemetry is located around 1 kilometer away from the historical city center.

The cemetery into existence at the end of the 18th century when burying dead bodies in the city center was prohibited because of hygiene issues. It’s one of the oldest cemeteries in Belgium.

The City of Bruges purchased a piece of land in Assebroek rural community. A central avenue was created on this site.

Lately, it ended up at the Calvary cross. The burial areas were extended several times during the 19th century.

Behind the Cross, a special place was constructed for all the monasteries in Bruges. Also, a separate area of the cemetery was allotted to the English inhabitants.

This spot is known as English Cemetery.

The cemetery is divided based on geometric patterns, but it has a rustic design due to many shrubs and trees.

Along with the venues, you will notice green and red beeches.

You can also find shrubs with symbolic meaning. For instance, yews or weeping willows are planted to show grief, and evergreen shrubs are grown as a mark of eternity.

Steenbrugge is a significant area, which comprises more than 1500 graves. A small stone with some number indicates the tomb of an important person.

It’s the last resting area for most of the residents of Bruges. Some of the remarkable monuments at this site include the grave of sculptors Hendrik and Gustaaf Pickery, poet Guido Gezelle and the neo-Gothic burial chamber.