Bruges - Sint-Donaaskathedraal

Sint-Donaaskathedraal (= "St. Donatian's Cathedral"), located next to the "Burg" in the center of the historic city, was the largest church in Bruges. It was comissioned mid 10th century by Arnulf I, Count of Flanders, and was completed within the 13th century. Large parts of the church burnt down in 1184 and got replaced by a Romanesque structure that from 1559 was the see of the Bishop.

In the aftermath of the French Revolution, the Diocese of Bruges got dissolved and the cathedral was sold as "biens nationaux" (National Property) and completely destroyed. Where the cathedral once was is now a luxury hotel. When it was built mid 1950s, the foundations of the cathedral were found - and can now be seen in the basement.