Bruges, with almost 118,000 inhabitants, is the capital of the province of West Flanders..

The Gauls founded a settlement as early as the 2nd century, but Bruges only gained in importance after the great storm in 1134. This had created a direct sea access and made Bruges the richest city in northern Europe.. At the end of the 15th century, access to the North Sea was silted up and merchants and traders shifted their places of work to Antwerp.. Until Bruges came to the Kingdom of Belgium in the 19th century, the French, the Habsburgs and the Dutch alternated in the city..

The heart of the city is the Great Market.. It is surrounded by magnificent guild houses with their high gables.. The Belfry, the 12th century landmark of the city, is located on this square, as are the Cloth Hall..

     

As the attractions are within easy walking distance, this is certainly the best way to discover the city.. At Burgplatz or the big market there is also the possibility to rent a horse-drawn carriage.. For canoe tours, in the off-season only on weekends, there are departure points at Huidenvettersplaats, Rozenhoedkaai and Divjer..

 

Attractions:

• Town Hall, Castle 12. The council chamber with the impressive oak ceiling from 1402 and the murals depicting the history of the city can be visited..
• Basilica of the Holy Blood, Castle 10. In the Gothic upper church «1480» the relic of the Holy Blood is preserved
• Church of Our Lady «Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk», Mariastraat.. Michelangelo´s ´Madonna and Child´ can be visited here.
• Beguinage, Wijngaardstraat.. The beguinage, founded in 1245, is today inhabited by Benedictine nuns.. The museum ´Begijnhuisje´ shows how the Beguines used to live..
• Gruuthusemuseum, Dijver 17;. The Museum of Arts and Crafts can be visited daily except Monday from 9:30 to 17 00 clock..
• Historium, Big Market 1;. An interactive trip to Bruges in 1435 awaits visitors

     


~halifax7~halifax7~, 2014-10-25