The facade inspired by the first Jesuit church in Rome sets out to stop the passerby in his tracks. Proportions colour nuances and the sumptuous decoration reflect the great selfawareness of the Catholic Church during the CounterReformation. The musical instruments and the trumpetplaying angels on the lower section provide the sound effects. The whole design of the sober Hendrik Conscience square was in fact the work of the Jesuit fathers. Originally they had a college here quite unique in its day. Later it moved to the Prinsstraat now the Jesuit university (UFSIA). The new monastery buildings were concentrated here around the Jesuit square with its public character thereby making it a truly modern urban development intervening in the old mediaeval street pattern.
Flemish art and heritage collections, in great detail