The old Therisian monastery (now ‘Weyler Barracks’) rises like a Phoenix in the centre of Bruges.
The convent was built in 1668 for the Therisian community or the Discalced Carmelites. In 1783 the community was given up and the Apostolic Sisters took over the convent in their place. In 1804 the convent was used as a military hospital and in 1835 the military hospital was converted into a barracks.
The barracks are particularly reminiscent of the First World War. Captain Weyler was the captain of the second line during the famous battle of Halen, known as the Battle of the Silver Helmets. Captain Weyler died as a major in 1918 in Zarren. The barracks were named in his honour.
Eventualle the barracks were closed down and the buildings became the favourite haunt of squatters and graffiti artists, with total decay lurking just around the corner.
This is now changing, as an unseen residential project is rising from the ruins of the barracks in the heart of Bruges’ city centre. Currently, high up on the building, they are restoring the walls with our bricks ‘Elegance Aura’ and ‘Elegance Viola’. It gives us great satisfaction to be able to contribute to this piece of heritage that was created in 1668.
On the picture we see the proud men of the firm Himpe from Oostkamp who with exceptional craftsmanship make our bricks shine at this dizzying height. Congratulations Niels and company!