Discover Bruges, the Other Venice of the North

Hello everyone,

Today I want to talk to you about a city I discovered during a short few-day trip: &strong>Bruges in Belgium. This superb city is located in the Flemish Region, in West Flanders (that's the province).

I can't remember which post I read where a city visited by one of our fellow travellers (Amsterdam?) was nicknamed "the Venice of the North"… But wait, there are two of them!! Because Bruges also bears this nickname, notably due to the numerous canals surrounding the city and its port. On top of that, traces of the city's rich past are present everywhere, and the well-preserved medieval architecture completely plunges you into history. And to top it all off, the city of Bruges is also famous for its chocolates and beers! Finally, and because man does not live by bread alone, Bruges is famous for its Flemish School painters.

Here is a quick tour of the must-see spots to visit during a stay in Bruges

Discovering the city

The old medieval city

So, where to start you might ask? Well, why not with a tour of the city that will show you all the traces of its military and commercial past, particularly from its golden age in the fifteenth century. For example, as you wander around, you'll likely have the chance to walk past the gunpowder towers or defensive towers that surrounded the city gates. Several are still in very good condition, notably the Kruispoort and the Gentpoort. There are four medieval gates left to discover in total, as well as a few ramparts, remnants of the wall that surrounded and protected the historic city in the twelfth century.

The canals

Of course, don't miss the Lake of Love, or Minnewater: it's one of the old port basins closed off from the inside by the lockkeeper's house. You can peacefully admire the swans (the city's emblem) and ducks splashing around. Legend has it that a young lover buried his fair maiden and, to protect her grave, released the lake's water over it. Extend the walk by checking out the small park, often deserted by rushed tourists but well worth a look.

Right by the lake stands the Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Beguines were autonomous communities of religious women. The beguine houses are now inhabited by a congregation of Benedictine nuns.

To keep wandering, hop on a boat to tour the city from the canals: it's truly magnificent and it would be a shame to leave the city without doing it.

The monuments

As for the rest, the monuments are magnificent: for instance, when visiting downtown, you'll see the superb city hall overlooking Burg Square. You'll also find the Liberty of Bruges Palace and its museum, as well as the Basilica of the Holy Blood. A small museum is located right next to the basilica. The basilica owes its name to one of the Holy Relics brought back from the Holy Land by one of the Counts of Flanders: the blood of Christ.

Naturally, you also won't want to miss the great Belfry. Standing 83 metres high, you'll have to climb the 366 steps to take in the entire city with your eyes (it's well worth a look). The belfry is also a museum. Up at the very top, 47 bells mark the rhythm of daily life for the locals. Beneath the belfry, the former cloth halls were a place of commerce and a gathering spot for residents, particularly for "official" announcements.

At the foot of the belfry stretches the Grand Place, or Grote Markt. Surrounded by its typical Flemish houses, the square has incredible character.

The museums

As for museums, you'll be spoiled for choice! There are tons of them. To name just a few:

• the Arentshuis, or Arents Mansion, a 17th-century townhouse that houses the work of Anglo-Bruges painter Frank Brangwyn;
• the Sint Janshuis windmill, built in 1770;
• the Koelewei mill, located near the Damme city gate;
• the Archaeological Museum;
• the Museum of Folk Arts and Traditions;
• the Groeninge Museum, which houses a collection of Flemish paintings (including the Primitives) ranging from the 15th century to the present day. Definitely a must-visit for fans of the genre!
• Along the same lines, the museum dedicated to Hans Memling, located in the former St. John's Hospital: Memling in Sint-Jan;
• the Gruuthuse Museum (house of herbs);
• the Brewery museum;
• the Guild of Saint Sebastian crossbowmen;
• the chocolate museum;
• the lace center, etc...

Finally, make the most of the countless chocolate shops: they're everywhere (or almost)! The most famous is undoubtedly The Chocolate Line, right in the center between St. Saviour's Cathedral and the Belfry (you'll almost certainly walk right past it during your tour of Bruges).

And gather up your courage to try the various types of beer. Here too, you'll need time given how many varieties there are... Personally, I really liked Brugse Zot, a blonde ale billed as the last beer still brewed right in Bruges itself. Enjoy in moderation, of course!

Enjoy your visit!