Bruges - Memlingmuseum

Occupying the former chapel is the Memlingmuseum where six exquisite masterpieces by Hans Memling (ca. 1430-94) are on view, each a pearl of Old Flemish art. Outstanding even among these is the Reliquary of St Ursula (1489), recognized to be one of the master's most important works. Six scenes from the legend of the saint decorate the reliquary: the arrival in Cologne; the entry into Basle prior to crossing the Alps; the Pope's welcome in Rome with the baptism of Ursula's companions; the re-embarkation at Basle for the return to Cologne; the massacre of the 11,000 virgins by the Huns; the Hun chieftain's proposal of marriage and Ursula's death. Scarcely less famous is the "Mystic Marriage of St Catherine", painted for the so-called St