Beluik Der Gefusilleerden, Bruges Travel Guide

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A somber and reflective memorial in Bruges honoring those executed during World War I for resisting German occupation.

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Beluik Der Gefusilleerden

Beluik Der Gefusilleerden, also known as the Courtyard of the Executed, is a poignant memorial in Bruges dedicated to those who were executed by German firing squads during World War I. Tucked away from the main tourist routes, this somber site offers a space for reflection on the cost of freedom and resistance.

A brief summary to Beluik Der Gefusilleerden

Bruges, 8000, BE

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Beluik Der Gefusilleerden.

The site is small and easily missed; look for a discreet entrance off the main street.
Allow for a few moments of quiet reflection to fully appreciate the site's significance.
Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby Kruispoort for a more comprehensive historical experience.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Markt (main square), walk northeast along Wollestraat, then turn left onto Dijver. Continue along Dijver, cross the bridge, and turn right onto Kazernevest. The Beluik Der Gefusilleerden will be on your left, a short distance along Kazernevest. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

From Brugge train station, take bus line 1, 4, 11, 13, 14 or 16 towards the city center. Get off at the Kruispoort (Kazernevest) bus stop. From there, walk a short distance along Kazernevest, and you'll find the Beluik Der Gefusilleerden on your right. A single bus ticket costs €3.00 if purchased in advance at a kiosk or €3.50 if purchased from the bus driver.
Taxi

From the Markt, a taxi ride to Beluik Der Gefusilleerden is a short trip. Taxi fares in Bruges start at approximately €1.60 per kilometer. Expect to pay around €11 for a 5km trip. Taxis are readily available in the city center.

Discover more about Beluik Der Gefusilleerden

Beluik Der Gefusilleerden, or the Courtyard of the Executed, stands as a solemn reminder of the First World War's impact on Bruges. Located away from the city's bustling center, this memorial marks the site where 14 individuals were executed by German forces between 1914 and 1916. These individuals were accused of espionage or aiding the enemy.The site is also known as 'Hof van Aurora', named after a small castle that once stood nearby. The castle grounds were later sold to expand the Kartuizerkazerne (Carthusian Barracks). During the war, the German Feldgericht (military court) in Bruges sentenced fifteen people to death here. Only two were pardoned thanks to interventions.After the war, architect Salmon was commissioned to create a memorial, which was inaugurated on May 7, 1922. Today, thirteen columns stand along a wall, each representing a person executed at the site. Inscriptions on the stones serve as reminders of their bravery and conviction in resisting oppression. While the original wall bearing bullet holes is gone, the Beluik Der Gefusilleerden remains a place for quiet contemplation and remembrance.