Brugge (Bruges in French) is an enchanting and picturesque, historic canal town, that lies within the Province of Flanders of north-western Belgium. As you walk along the banks and across the bridges of the tranquil canals and winding cobbled streets, it is easy to understand why it has been called one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and has been recognized by UNESCO, with its entire historical centre listed as a World Heritage Site. Known as the Venice of the North, Brugge is home to a wealth of well preserved medieval buildings and several museums which contain the complete story of this important city’s history, which, in the 14th and 15th centuries was considered to be Europe’s largest city!! The old town centre is a car free zone and being small makes for easy exploration on foot, although the volume of attractions, museums, good retail shops and cafes makes this a difficult town to be seen quickly!!
The Bruggemuseum is the collective name given to the top 11 historical sites, all of which stand in impressive buildings. These are, the Belfry Tower, or Belfort en Hallen, located in the Market Square, a tower of 366 steps and home to the city’s carillon of 47 bells, and includes the old treasury room. If you make it to the top you will be able to enjoy magnificent views over the city!! On the northern side of the Market Square is the Provincial Court, built in the 19th century in the Neo Gothic style. In the Burg Square you will find the beautiful Gothic style, Brugge Town Hall, the Stadhuis, built in 1376 which makes it one of the oldest town halls in the Low Countries. The Church of Our Lady stands as the high point in the stonemason’s art during the medieval period having an eye-catching 122 metre brick steeple, the second highest in Belgium!! The steeple dominates the skyline and the church holds a treasure trove of artifacts, including the ‘Madonna and Child’ by Michelangelo which attracts many visitors!! A little more down to earth is the Folklore Museum or Volkskunde, displayed in a group of eight almshouses from the 17th century. The museum displays reconstructed workshops such as a cobblers, pharmacists, milliners and confectioners, with also rooms showing an old kitchen, classroom and living room. The most diverse of Brugge’s Museums is situated in the luxurious city mansion, the ‘House of Gruuthuse’, originally the residence of the Lords of Gruuthuse. The museum contains all kinds of objects that date from the 15th to 19th centuries, one of its main assets is the ‘Room of Honour’ with its tapestries, impressive fireplace and richly decorated timberwork. The Koeleweimolen (Cool Meadow Mill) built 1765 and the Sint-Janhuis Mill (St. John’s House) built 1770 – both of these windmills still function as active grain mills. Other museums include the Guido Gezelle Museum, a literary and biographical museum of one of Flanders best known poets, the Archaeological Museum which recalls the history from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages and the Gentpoort, which is one of the remaining city gates.
By the time you have walked around the city and visited these ‘top’ sights, you will have seen many aspects of the history of Brugge, and by doing so would have had a very enjoyable trip. However if time is available and you have the energy there are many other places of interest from the Groeninge Museum which ranks among Belgium’s leading traditional museums of fine arts, the beautiful lacework at the Kantcentrum (Lace Centre) to the Basilica of the Holy Blood, just to name a few!!
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