The Adornes family
The Adornes family was a prominent and deeply religious family, originating from Genoa in Italy. They settled in Bruges at the end of the 13th century. Several family members played roles in international trade and politics, both in Bruges and at the Burgundian court. Anselm Adornes (1424-1483) was the best known member of the family.
Anselm was a successful trader in cloth and alum; a mineral used in cloth production, tanning and glassmaking. He could call upon an impressive international network. He had particularly good contacts in Scotland. It was there that the Scottish king knighted him in the Order of the Unicorn, after which he went to Palestine as a Jerusalem pilgrim. Eventually, he came to a bloody end in Scotland. After his death, his heart was brought to Bruges and interred in the mausoleum in the Jerusalem Chapel.
To this day, the site has continued to be administered by Anselm’s heirs. The 17th generation after the founders of the domain now look after this valuable heritage.
Practical info
Adornes Domain & Jerusalem Chapel: Peperstraat 3, 8000 Bruges
More about opening hours, accessibility and other practical information can be found at Adornes Domein.