College of Europe
Residences: Sint Jakobsstraat
In 1967/68 there was only one College residence and this was at 41 Sint Jakobsstraat. This building now houses the Hotel Navarra. The interior, and particularly the foyer, has been tarted up but essentially preserved as it was when I was there. The foyer was designed in anticipation of a visit by Napoleon which, unfortunately, didn't happen.
Sint Jakobsstraat from Eierplein to Sint Jakobskerk as seen from the Belfry.
Main entrance to 41 Sint Jakobsstraat.
Imperial statue in foyer. Inmates may remember a different face briefly on the statue.
The imperial stairwell that Napoleon never mounted.
Looking down into the foyer from the first floor landing.
Single imperial swan from the set supporting the bannisters.
Where Helen's suite was. The mirror makes it confusing. The real stairwell is bottom right of picture.
The ceiling rose at the top of the stairwell.
The Napoleon Window on the first floor landing.
Impressive Imperial Flemish Window.
From the stairwell, looking towards the main door area. The main door is to the right.
From the main door, looking towards the ballroom. And not forgetting the ladies who served us our meals.
Side entrance from the back.
Much reduced garden.
Substantial part of rear garden converted into a car park.
Sint Jakobsplein and church from rear garden of No. 41.
Rear garden of No. 41 from Sint Jakobsplein.
Residences: Biskajersplein
As the College has grown over the years additional residences were required. As things now stand these are all within the canals and walking distance of each other and the main College buildings. One such residence is Biskajersplein beside Jan Van Eyck plein.
When I was in Sint Jakobsstraat, the then rector, Brugmans, felt that the College should participate as much as possible in the life of the town. With a much bigger student body and more residences, it appears that there is a certain amount of fragmentation in the student body and that not all the hostelries in the town welcome students from the College.
On the other hand the proprietor of the Navarra Hotel expressed regret at the lack of contact with the College, particularly given the hotel's past history as a residence.
College: Dijver
In 1967/68 academic activity took place in one premises on Dijver. Today the college has acquired the adjoining building.
Looking back from Our Lady's church towards Blinde Ezel Straat with the college buildings on the right. The building facing you at the end used to be the Brugse Handelsblat but is now an art gallery.
Looking towards Our Lady's church.
More distant view from the bridge.
Slight variation on the previous view.
Looking from Our Lady's church back up the Dijver.