On the Boeveriestraat is the former St Godelieve Abbey, from 1623 until the end of 2013 a final convent of Benedictine nuns. An unprecedented site for many, a remarkable heritage gem of some 11,000m² in size, but whose future was unclear and uncertain.
Care by Careful Management
In 2016 took Brugge Foundation the temporary management on of this abbey to actively start looking for partners to create a meaningful new destination here, in line with this place of silence.
In 2019 Brugge Foundation undertook the extensive renovation of the church as a pilot project with the aim of building confidence in the foundation and attracting partners. From its own funds, some 150.000€ benumbed to the church to refresh and adapt to contemporary standards, doing so with maximum respect for the 'spirit of the place'.
The 'garden of today' on its way to tomorrow
Anno 2021 visit flanders launched a pilot project here with the eloquent name 'The Garden of Heden'. With this project, visit flanders wants to guarantee a sustainable future for this unique religious heritage.
Today, the project is heading towards its realisation with several implementation projects. The restoration of the garden walls and the archaeological survey of the site were carried out in 2024.
2025 will see the first major phase of restoration and reconversion of the abbey buildings and gardens.
Flanders grants Bruges Foundation 4.2 million euros in relaunch funds. This marks another important hurdle towards the concrete realisation of the future plan for Godelieve Abbey.
Brugge Foundation is financially supporting visit flanders in this reconversion project.
Find out more about this project at project page
