BRUGES INFORMATION ABOUT Bruges access to Sergi Reboredo
The Belfry of Bruges, Belfort (Medieval Bell Tower), Rozenhoedkaai, Bridge over Dijver Canal. Belfry Tower And Dijver Canal. Bruges, (the Venice Of The North). Western Flanders. Belgium Bruges Horse Tram Paardentram. The coachmen business Dirk Stael is the only one in Bruges that manages "the Horse tram". These tram-cars , pulled by horses, can be hired by appointment all the year round.The points of departure and arrival can be fixed by the costumer as also the duration of the trip. The horse trams give room to groups till 55 persons. Bruges by bike. Cyclists are especially privileged in Bruges so if you can't beat them why not join them. There are cycle lanes on many of the roads and there are cycle racks all over the place. And, the traffic restrictions in the city centre, have made Bruges a safe and pleasant place to cycle around. However, although you are allowed to cycle in either direction in one-way streets (but watch out for unsuspecting pedestrians), you are not allowed to cycle in pedestrian areas. The tourist office in Bruges publishes an excellent little guide called 5 x by bike around Bruges which includes details of 5 cycling tours around Bruges together with a route map. Don't worry if you haven't brought your own bicycle with you because many hotels now have bicycles for hire and there are a number of bike-hire shops in the centre. You can also hire them from the baggage depot at the railway station and, if you have travelled to Bruges by train, the hire cost is reduced. The tourist office in Bruges has details about where you can hire bikes from. If you would prefer to go on a guided cycling tour, Quasimundo runs 2 cycling tours which operate daily between April and September. Bruges by Bike takes in the city and some less well-known back streets (and waters) and Border by Bike takes you on a 25-kilometre ride along the canals to the north of Bruges taking in Damme and Oostkerke en route. Both tours cost € 18 for adults and € 16 for children/students. The price includes bicycles fitted with a front pack where you can put your valuables, a raincoat, a bottle of water and a commentary in English. There are also helmets available in range of sizes. For further information telephone +32 (0)50 330 775.
     
Langerei Street. A mixture of house styles alongside the central canal, make this a particularly attractive part of Brugge. Bruges by horse-drawn carriage. If you would like to experience Bruges as it would have been in the past, why not see the sights from a horse-drawn carriage. The carriages leave from the Markt (March to November) and take you on a 30-minute sightseeing tour of the city on a route which goes between the Markt and the Begijnhof (in the south of the city) They carry up to 5 passengers and cost approximately € 40 per carriage for the 30-minute ride. The Belfry of Bruges, Belfort (Medieval Bell Tower), Rozenhoedkaai, Bridge over Dijver Canal
     
Bruges allows you to admire the city’s most beautiful sites from a totally different angle. The boats follow a set route and (dis)embarkation takes place at set points. The guides provide multi-lingual comment. The boats are not covered. Umbrellas are provided for rainy weather. Duration 30 minutes. Embarcation points: Huidenvettersplein Rozenhoedkaai Wollestraat Nieuwstraat Katelijnestraat Bruges by boat. One of the best ways to see Bruges is by boat. The half-hour boat trips (with English commentary) mainly operate on the canals in the centre of the city and are extremely popular in the summer (so expect long queues). There are boats leaving every few minutes (daily between March and November) from a number of jetties to the south of the Burg mainly close to Blinde Ezelstraat and the Vismarkt. During the winter there is a less frequent service at weekends, and public holidays only. Expect to pay approx. € 5.20 for adults and € 2.60 for children aged 4-11. If you want a boat trip out of town, go to the Noorweegse Kaai at Dampoort which is 2 km north of the city on the number 4 bus route from the Markt, climb aboard the Lamme Goedzaak river barge and glide down the canal to Damme. Damme is only 7 km north of Bruges and was once the city's main port but is now a pretty, quiet village surrounded by fields of cows and horses. The 40-minute boat excursions to Damme run daily from Easter to the beginning of September and costs approximately € 5 one way/ € 6.50 return for adults and € 3.40 one way/ € 4.50 return for children. Sergi Reboredo. Bruges st bonifacius brigde. The St. Bonifacius Bridge is one of the many stone bridges over the canals on Brugge, Belgium. This bridge is close to the Gruuthuse and the Arentshof and although it is sometimes said to be the oldest bridge in Brugge that is not the case and was only built in around 1910. Around the bridge old medieval style houses can be seen adding to the atmosphere.
     
Because of its canals Bruges is often called 'The Venice of the North'. The water situation in both cities was, however, very different. Venice was founded on islands in a lagoon of the Adriatic sea.  Bruges lies deeper inland ; at least now, because in the five centuries B.C the Flemish coastline must have been flooded several times by the North Sea. When the waters retreated they left behind different sea-arms via which ships could reach the area where now Bruges is situated. Bruges was probably already visited by the Vikings. The Flemish name 'Brugge' is probably derived from the Latin word 'Rogia' (which was the Latin name of the 'Reie' the river which flowed through Bruges), and the Scandinavian word 'Bryggia', which meant 'mooring place'. Bruges landscapes. Houses on Langerei street refelected in canal. Bruges , Belfort Canal and the Plaza Mayor : There is also Calling Markt , this plaza is the nerve center of Bruges. It is a striking WELCOMING ALL Market on Saturdays . Belfort : It is located in the plaza above the tower and is more characteristic of Bruges. From the tallest part , to 83 feet high and 365 trans subir floors , is obtienen las mejores vistas of the city. In the Academiestraat is the Poortersloge from the 14th and 15th Century. This lodge was used as a meeting place of the wealthy citizens of the city. Also, foreign buying sounds were welcomed here. Certainly been here so many signed lucrative and secret trade agreement. Even the most prominent and oldest inhabitants is located in a niche - the Bruges Bear. Today houses the state archives. In the Academiestraat is the Poortersloge from the 14th and 15th Century. This lodge was used as a meeting place of the wealthy citizens of the city. Also, foreign buying sounds were welcomed here. Certainly been here so many signed lucrative and secret trade agreement. Even the most prominent and oldest inhabitants is located in a niche - the Bruges Bear. Today houses the state archives.
     
Points of interest in Brugge are the more than 50 bridges that span the canals in the city and that can be opened to permit the passage of ships. Among the many medieval buildings in the city are the 13th-century Halles, or marketplace, with a belfry 108 m (353 ft) high; the Cathedral of Saint Salvator (13th-14th century); the 12th-century Chapelle of Saint Sang; the 12th-century Hospital of Saint John; the 13th-century church of Notre Dame, with a 122-m (400-ft) tower; and the Hôtel de Ville, the oldest town hall in Belgium, begun in the 14th century.  The central location of the Market square indicates that this was the medieval heart of the city. At least, the commercial medieval heart, because the center of the city administration was found on the nearby 'Burg' square. A horse drawn carriage tour of Brugge can be equated to a cruise down the canals of Venice on a gondola: touristy but entertaining and fulfilling. Carriages can be hired in the MARKT square or across from the Bagijnhof. For a one hour narrated tour, expect a fare of about 40 euros. Drivers are multi-lingual and will point out main sites along the route. BRUGES : The Belfry and the Cloth Hall. The entire complex still bears witness to the importance of Bruges as a medieval trade center. In the cloth hall, the Flemish cloth which was manufactured in different other cities was sold to the rest of the world. In 1399, for instance, there were 384 sales stands inside the hall. Nowadays, the belfry tower charms the visitor with the lovely music of a carillion, which consists of 47 bells. Other more recent decorations are the sculpture of the Madonna in renaissance style and the weapon with a Belgian lion.
     
The market place (Grote Markt) is free from traffic since October 1996. It has been completely refurbished and is now one of the most attractive parts of the city. The main monument is of course the belfry tower and the cloth hall. On the Northern side of the Market is the Provincial Court. It stands on the site were the medieval 'water halls' used to stand. This was a covered hall where the ships could unload their products for storage in the halls or for direct sale on the adjacent market. Right in the middle of the square the statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck can be seen. The other sides of the market are occupied by restaurants and shops located in former private houses as well as in guild houses. Bruges, Belgium via bike. It has been many years since I first visited Bruges, Belgium, but one image stays strong in my memory – bicycles. They are everywhere in this tiny town, about 50 miles northwest from Brussels, and are definitely the recommended mode of transportation while visiting. As you arrive in the train station, you will find the first opportunity to rent bikes, in the station, for 6,50 Euros for half a day, 9,50 Euros for a full day. The bikes must be returned before 7:30pm, and you are required to leave a deposit. If you prefer a guided tour, by bicycle of Bruges, Toerisme Brugge lists several bike tour companies, including Pink Bear Bike Tours, which arranges leisurely rides to nearby Damme via a tree-lined canal. Many photo opportunities abound, with picturesque windmills and Flemish villages. And if you are interested in exploring the country of Belgium via bike, it is good to know that bikes can be taken on trains, although you will need a special bike + train ticket. In addition, you are advised to travel off-peak with your bike, and follow the train conductors as to where to load and unload your bike. Bicycle in Bruge: Remember that Bruges is a place where more importance is given to cyclists than pedestrians. So it is a good thing to hire a bicycle for our journey. There are lots of shops that let you hire a bicycle and the good thing is that it is also inexpensive. Many of the famous bike renting shops are located near the main bell tower. Riding bicycle during night times may prove to be lot more fun when travelling throughout Bruges.
     
On the Southern side of the Market several medieval-looking houses can be seen. They are not really medieval because a lot of them are modern reconstructions of the medieval styles. Some critics use these and other reconstructions (like the Provincial Government house or the Holy Blood Chapel) to bring down the image of Bruges as a fake. It is absolutely true that Bruges is as much a medieval city as a neo-gothic reconstruction from the 19th century. It is not difficult, however, to understand that buildings which are several centuries old always have to be renovated at certain times just for the sole purpose of keeping them in existence. In the center of the Market stands the statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck. The statue not only honors these two leaders of the 'Battle of the Golden Spurs' which took place on the 11th of July 1302, it is perhaps more so a clear statement of the political leaders of the 1880's that the cause for Flemish emancipation was something that the Belgian government had to take notice of. Both Breydel and de Coninck participated in the 1302 uprising of the Flemish against the occupation by the French king, known as the Battle of the Golden Spurs'. This battle was also the central theme of the book 'De Leeuw van Vlaanderen' (the lion of Flanders) written by Hendrik Conscience in 1838. He romanticized the Flemish uprising and it became a symbol of the Flemish movement which fought for recognition of the Dutch language and Flemish culture in the French-language dominated Belgium of the 19th century. Boat: Boats can also be used to travel around Bruges. Boats are mainly operated from the centre of the city of Bruges and this half an hour boat ride is pretty popular in the city, so one can expect a lot of people already waiting for their ride. There are frequent boats leaving to the south of the Burge mainly close to Blinde Ezelstraat and the Vismarkt. At winter times, the number of boats is fairly reduced. For the best boating experience, try taking the Lamme Goedzaak river barge to Damme. Damme was once known to be the main port of the city of Bruges, but lately it is just a pretty village. To take this trip, all you have to do is go to the Noorweegse Kaai at Dampoort, which is located 2 km to the north of Bruges on the number 4 bus route from the Markt. This boat ride to Damme takes 40 minutes and is operated daily from Easter to the beginning of September.
     
Bruges is a considerably small city with lots of attractive places. Due to its smaller area, all of its hotspots can be visited on foot. But for all other areas here is a simple travel guide for Bruges. High heeled shoes should not be used because of its rocky surfaces and also those who are on foot must remember that, in this city more importance is given to cyclists. If you are a tourist, then the best place to start off is the Concert Bowl, where the main tourism office is located. Various maps that can help in your visit to Bruges are available. Horse Drawn Carriage: Horse ride through Bruges takes about half an hour and it starts off from the markt to the Begijnhof to the south of the city. It will prove to be a pleasant experience to take a horse drawn carriage. Being one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe and being only 90 km. Bruges Brussels becomes one of the most visited cities in the world. The main attraction for tourists is its historical center , UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. One advantage is that the old town is perfectly graspable walk (and by boat through its channel network ) with its relatively small. Blind Donkey Alley is a popular walkway in Brugge, Belgium. It leads from the Burg to Vismarkt.
     
Horse and Carriage. One of the most familiar SOUNDS of Bruges is the clatter of horseshoes on cobbles as parties of tourists take a tour of the old town in this popular, old fashioned style of transport. Walk in the historical Bruges. Guided Walking Tours. Guided walks are a great way to experience the main sites of Bruges in more depth. There are an endless number of walking tours on offer which take you on different routes, depending upon your interests. Bruges is rich in medieval architecture and the guides are good at explaining their origins. You will encounter a variety of city sites, such as the Market Square (Belfry and historical building facades), the "Burg" (city castle) Square (City Hall, Basilica of The Holy Blood) the "Reien" (picturesque canals and waterways), the Fish market and the "Europa-College". You will wander along most foremost museums (such as the "Groeninge", "Gruuthuse" and "Brangwyn" museums), the Church of Our Lady (with a statue of the Madonna with child by Michelangelo), the old Saint John’s Hospital with the "Memling" Museum, almshouses, the Beguinage and the waters of the "Minnewater". CANALS IN BRUGES. Bruges is often called "The Venice of the North" due to its picturesque canals which are found through the city center. These canals can be explored on foot or by boat. Fiona Campbell explores the cobbled streets and quiet canals which serve as a film set to “In Bruges”, the new gangster comedy staring Colin Farrell and Ralph Fiennes. The quiet canals and cobbled streets are like a holy kiss of calm, and the once thriving Renaissance merchant city is studded with fabulous artworks. Bruges is in the spotlight this week with the opening of the edgy gangster comedy, “In Bruges”, staring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes, where two gangsters' lives are changed by the fairytale city.
     
Shopping in Bruges. Bruges' main shopping areas are situated between 't Zand and Markt Square - opening hours are generally between 0900-1800. A number of regular markets take place every week, including at Markt Square on Wednesday mornings, 't Zand Square on Saturday mornings, and Dijver on summer weekends. The Fish Market, across the canal from Burg Square, trades Tuesday to Saturday in the mornings. The big chain stores are concentrated on Steenstraat, while Noordzandstraat features numerous boutique outlets. Any number of shops offering lace and chocolate can be found all over the city centre. A good example of the former is 't Kanthuisje, at Breidelstraat 5, while chocaholics will delight in Chocoladehuisje, Wollestraat 15. Bruges. Bars and restaurants in Markt. This attractive area is the centre piece of the city and at many times of the year you’ll find some kind of small market here. The square is a great place to get a feel for the city and it’s lined with the huge Belfry tower on one side, city hall on another side and then dozens of restaurants, shops and bars. Bruges: The Chocolate Corner. Bruge Belgian Chocolate. Decadent, rich belgian chocolate shops are beyond prevalent in this well-preserved Gothic city. Bruges is home to at leat 40 different chocolate shops. At every turn of every cobblestone corner, you will discover, yet another chocolate shop. All year round the rich aroma of chocolate wafts through the World Heritage city and countless creative confectioners make hundreds of kilograms of the city’s most famous chocolate, ‘the Brugsch Swaentje’ (Bruges Swan). The exact recipe remains a secret, but amongst the key ingredients are almond paste, ‘gruut’ (a local type of spiced flour) and ‘kletskoppen’ (a local Bruges biscuit). Top Belgian Chocolate Shops in Bruge. One of the most renowned Belgium chocolate shops in Bruges is Dumon. There are multiple reasons why Brugge is Belgium’s top tourist destination, and the Dumon chocolate shop is one of them. Madam Dumon along with her two sons, Stefaan and Christophe, make superb handmade chocolates daily. They will go into great detail describing their fresh, creamy chocolates, which burst with flavor. It's not uncommon to find a small crowd gathered around the chocolate display case. To indulge in one-of -a-kind concoctions, head over to the Chocolate Line near Market Square. Eighty unique varieties, such as a Buddha-shaped ginger chocolate and a white elephant saffron curry will tempt your taste buds. If you're looking for marzipan along with an assortment of liquor filled chocolates, Verheecke offers a grand selection. Sample individual chocolates and then purchase a box of your favorites to bring home. For delicious tea-flavored pralines, go to the Chocolate Corner. Another top Belgian chocolate producer is Godiva, which is also based in Brugge. For other top Belgian chocolate brands, Hans Burie, Guylian, Neuhaus, Galler. Of course, you really don’t have to stick to these names exclusively. The Belgian government regulates chocolate production, which means that finding a bad batch is pretty much impossible. Whether you enjoy chocolate tours at a Belgium chocolate factory, head to a Belgium chocolate museum, or simply opt to see what the individual Belgium chocolate shops have on hand, you’ll enjoy the experience. For those who are really serious about Belgian chocolate, extended Belgium chocolate tours that include a bunch of stops at museums, factories, and shops around the country are something to consider.
     
The Chambers (or Oude Griffie) is a smaller building, located left of the City Hall. Its renaissance facade dates back to the 16th century. As the Basilica, the Chambers is decorated by gilded figurines. The goddess Justitia is portrayed since the building was a court building until a few decades ago. Left of the Oude Griffie is the Court of Justice (not the judiciary is housed in more modern quarters on the edge of town). The 'old' Court of Justice now houses some offices of the town council. Horse and Carriage Rides. You can’t visit Bruges without going on a horse and cart tour through the cobbled streets. Starting in Market Square (the main meeting point), at €30 per carriage, the horseman will take you on a 35 minute tour of the city, with a quick break near the Lake of Love (also known as Minnewater) where the horses feed . Tours start each day from 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Tours are conducted in Dutch, German, English and French. Don’t miss this amazing experience! Most carriages have canopies during wet weather. Get married in the Burg in Bruges. The Blinde Ezelstraat is a smal alley next to the Burgh. Just around the corner is the Town Hall. When you want to get married at the Town Hall you have to walk through this street, so locals say the reason why they call it the street of the blind donkey is that you have to be a real dunkey to get married. Over the Markt looms the 88m medieval bell tower. During the day, climb its dizzying, 366 steps for a great view of the city, return at night when the tower serves as a torch for the city. Behind the Markt, the Burg is dominated by the massive yet finely detailed Gothic façade of the Town Hall. Inside the building's attractions include paintings, wood carvings, and a glided hall where many residents of Bruges still get married.
     
Sexy nurse in a erotic shop in Wollestraat Street. Bruges. Minnewater Tea Room Creperie. One of the restaurants near of the famous Minnewater Lake. The Minnewater and its lovely park are the entrance to the beautiful city of Bruges. The Minnewater is a canalized lake. From the bridge (1740) one can already enjoy a nice panoramic view over the town. Because of the idyllic surroundings it is mostly referred to as 'the lake of Love', the Dutch word 'Minne' meaning 'love'. Actually, the origins of the lake are less romantic. It was here that the coastal river 'Reie' entered the city. The river was later canalized and made to continue until the center of town. It is not sure where the name 'Minnewater' comes from. An explanation could be 'water van het gemeen', which could be translated as the 'common water'. The lake was used as a water reservoir, to keep the water of the canals at a constant level. Next to the lake is the Minnewater park, where sometimes in the summertime (rock) concerts are organized. One of the symbols of Bruges is the swan. There are always plenty of them on the 'Minnewater'. There exists a nice legend about the swans of Bruges. In 1488 the people of Bruges had executed one of the town administrators belonging to the court of Maximilian of Austria, husband and successor of duchess Mary of Burgundy. The town administrator was called 'Pieter Lanchals', a name which means ' long neck'. The Lanchals family coat of arms featured a white swan. Legend has it that Maximilian punished Bruges by obliging the population to keep swans on their lakes and canals till eternity. Most of these legends and romantic interpretations come from the 19th century. Believe them or not : the beautiful 'Minnewater' deserves them.
     
Just behind the Minnewater lies the Beguinage 'De Wijngaard' (= the Vineyard). It is one of those typical areas in Bruges where one can find more peace and quiet than in the sometimes busy and overcrowded streets of the town center. The Beguinage is a group of houses around a little garden covered with large poplar trees. It was here that during the last seven centuries lived the beguines of Bruges. In 1937 the beguinage became a monastery for the Benedictine sisters who still live here now. In the rapidly changing world of the 13th century, some people became more attracted to a purer and more mystical form of religion as a reaction to the growing material and formal aspirations of the regular clergy. The example to be followed had been shown by the apostles : poverty, simplicity and preaching. People from both sexes decided to follow this new movement, which resulted in the creation of numerous new religious orders and movements. The official religious institutions distrusted these new orders, so that they were very often persecuted or forbidden. In the Low Countries, however, the female followers of the mystical movement were tolerated in the form of the 'Beguine' movement. They were allowed to live in separate parts of the cities, in the so-called Beguinages. In this way, the religious authorities could control and supervise them. The beguines lived like regular nuns, but did not make the same binding vows that nuns normally made. Beguines usually made the vows of obedience and chastity, but not the vow of poverty. Moreover, they could at all times break their vows and leave the beguine community. The Beguinage of Bruges was founded in 1245 by the Countess of Flanders, Margaretha of Constantinopel, daughter of Count Baldwin who conquered Constantinopel (now Istambul) during the crusades. In 1299, Philip the beautiful of France, placed the Beguinage under his own rule, thereby withdrawing it from the influence of the town magistrate.Visitors enter the place via a bridge over the canal. The entrance gate bears the date 1776. A lot of houses, however, are much older than that. Most date from the 17th and 18th century. Some houses were built in the 19th century in neo-gothic style. In the southern part is a little dead end street where still some houses of the 15th-16th century can be found. The largest and most impressive house is situated in the left corner behind the garden. It was here that the 'grootjuffrouw', or 'grand-dame' lived. It was she who ruled over the beguinage. The original church of the 13th century was destroyed by a fire in 1584. It was rebuild in 1609 and later again renovated in late baroque style. In the early middle-ages most beguines worked in the textile industry of the cities. It was not a religious movement exclusively for poor and needy women. Very often, girls from rich and noble families joined the beguine community. They were then very often chosen to become 'Grand mistress of the Beguinage' and they lived in the nicest houses, whereas the poorer beguines lived in the 'convents' which were houses were several sisters lived together. Most still-existing beguinages are situated in the Northern part of Belgium. Although, now, there are practically no beguines alive anymore , their beautiful beguinages still exist as museums, cultural centers or houses for elderly people. The most important beguinages in Belgium are situated in the following cities: Bruges, Kortrijk, Gent, Lier, Turnhout, Dendermonde, Hoogstraten, Leuven and Diest. People in Bruges loves the flowers. In the picture, a florist show a nice bouquet.
     
ST JANSHUIS & KOELEWEI MILLS :The St. John’s House Mill and the Koelewei Mill are part of the municipal heritage. Both still function as active grain mills. The St. John’s House Mill (1770) still stands on its original site. The Koele-wei Mill (1765) was transplanted to a new location near the “Dampoort” (Dam Gate) in 1996. Windmill De Bonne Chiere. Located a few meters away from the Kruispoort is the most southern windmill in Brugge, De Bonne Chiere. In the past, Brugge was well-known for its mills, which numbered about 25. Today, only four remain, located along the Kruisvest Street. De Bonne Chiere is the first you will see on this tour. It was initially built in Olsene, in 1888, and was moved to Brugge in 1911. St. Janshuis Mill. St. Janshuis Mill was built in 1770 at the initiative of a group of bakers. Unlike other mills, this one was never moved; it is a veteran among the mills. Inside the St. Janshuis Mill is a lovely museum. To the north of the mill, you can catch a glimpse of the Nieuwe Papegaai Mill, another landmark worth visiting. Koelewei Mill. Koelewei Mill is another mill that had to say farewell to its birthplace and move to a new home. Built in 1765, today it can be found not far from the Dampoort, where it was relocated in 1996. Together with St. Janshuis Mill, Koelewei Mill, which is the most northern, is a piece of the city's heritage. The mills are open to the public and are still in a functioning state. Musicians on the street in front of Dijver during the Brugge Central. Bruges. When approaching Bruges, one can already see from afar the highest tower in the city, the tower of Our Lady's Church. Although this church is not the most important one on the religious level (St Salvator's church is) it certainly attracts most visitors because of its medieval character and the important works of art that can be admired here. Architecturally Our Lady does not present a uniform style. The construction has to be situated between the second half of the 13th century and the late 15th century. The style varies from late Romanesque style over Scheldt-Gothic to French Gothic. Furthermore, in the 18th century Our Lady was transformed into a more contemporary style. Around 1900, however, the church was renovated whereby the renovators tried to re-establish the original medieval styles. The most important and eye-catching part of the church is certainly the tower. The building started in the middle of the 13th century. The tower reaches a heigth of 122 meters, which makes it the second highest church tower in Belgium (The cathedral of Antwerp has the highest tower: 123 m !). A really enormous mass of bricks was used for the tower. It is impossible to imagine that this mighty edifice could one day collapse or that some authority would decide to demolish it. The tower looks like it was built for eternity. The reason why so many tourists visit Our Lady is, of course, the presence of the Madonna by Michelangelo and the splendid tombstones of Mary of Burgundy and her father Charles the Bold.
     
Brugge markt aereal view. The Markt Market Place, view from the Belfry Brugge,the Venice of the North Western Flanders Belgium. Bruges, centre of world gastronomy. As far back as the Burgundian period, gastronomy reigned supreme in Bruges. Even today there are countless restaurants in the city, 7 of which have managed to win Michelin stars. BEER IN BRUGES. Belgium has more than 400 different types of beer, yes that is 400! The local residents also love a beer, the below photos should give you an idea of this and just how many different beers await to be tasted. Legend has it that St Arnold, an 11th century Benedictine monk, was made the patron saint of Belgian brewers after he encouraged everyone to drink beer rather than water during a bout of the plague and miraculously everyone got better. In “Great Beers of Belgium” the author Michael Jackson – a well-known expert and connoisseur of beer - explains that it was probably because the local untreated water was responsible for spreading the infection whereas the water in beer was boiled during the brewing process making beer a much safer drink. Brugse Zot has the distinction of being the only beer now brewed right in the centre of Bruges. Jackson describes Brugse Zot as “an almost iridescent pale bronze colour; a blossomy “hops in the brew house” aroma; a fruity palate reminiscent of peach sorbet; and a light, appetising dryness in the finish”. The official website of De Halve Maan brewery explains how Brugse Zot takes its name from a story that goes back to the 1400s when Maximillian of Austria visited Bruges. On his arrival the locals organised a “colourful parade of merrymakers and fools”. At the end of the festivities when Maximlliam was asked for a contribution towards a new madhouse he replied: “Today I have seen nothing but fools. Bruges is already one large madhouse!” Ever since that visit the people of Bruges have been known as Brugse Zotten (fools of Bruges). During the 45-minute tour of the brewery a multi-lingual guide tells you all about the history of brewing and you will see how Brugse Zot is made today. The brewery is still housed in its original building and is spread over a number of different floors. As you make your way up to the top of the building the stairs become narrower and steeper but after the final climb onto the roof terrace you are rewarded with a wonderful view of Bruges. The final reward is back at ground level when you get a complimentary refreshing glass of Brugse Zot.
     
Bruges Kantcentrum. ddress of Kantcentrum (The lace centre), Brugge: Peperstraat 3A, B-8000 Bruges +32 (0) 50 33 00 72 Timings: Weekdays- 10 am – 12 noon and 2 – 6 pm Saturdays- 10am – 12 noon and 2-5 pm Closed: Sundays and public holidays In the afternoon lace making demonstrations take place in the open lace atelier . Combined tickets available for lace museum, open lace atelier and the Jerusalem Church. The history of lace in Bruges dates back to 1717 when the Sisters Apostoline set up a lace school in Ganzestraat. Subsequently Bruges became famous for its laces. Kantcentrum (Lace centre) a non-profit entity was founded in 1970 to continue encouraging this traditional art in the city. It is an authority on hand made lace, it has a museum, it organizes lace making demonstrations for visitors, runs courses on lace making, publishes its own quarterly lace magazine, sells lace related books and materials. This is next to the Jerusalem church. Hence a combined visit is possible. Slain by medieval charm. Steve McKenna puts Bruges on the to-do list - with a bullet. There's an amusing clip in the black comedy In Bruges, when hitmen Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson are discussing the merits of Belgium's best-preserved medieval city. The dozy duo have been ordered to stay put there after a botched contract killing in London, so Gleeson takes Farrell on a day trip, hoping he'll be wowed by the abundant Gothic architecture, canals and cobbled streets that form Bruges. Frustrated by his young colleague's lack of interest, Gleeson labels him the worst tourist in the world - to which Farrell replies: "If I grew up on a farm and was retarded, Bruges might impress me. But I didn't, so it doesn't." The sulky Irish character could be forgiven for having other things on his mind; if he didn't, he would surely have to concede that Bruges is quite a spectacle. This fairytale, canal-endowed Flemish city is cuter and quieter than Venice, particularly in the autumn months. Hiring a bike, taking a horse-drawn carriage or boat trip are popular pastimes but I found the best way to get acquainted with Bruges was on foot. Historic Centre of Brugge. Brugge is an outstanding example of a medieval historic settlement, which has maintained its historic fabric as this has evolved over the centuries, and where original Gothic constructions form part of the town's identity. As one of the commercial and cultural capitals of Europe, Brugge developed cultural links to different parts of the world. It is closely associated with the school of Flemish Primitive painting. The Historic Town of Brugge is testimony, over a long period, of a considerable exchange of influences on the development of architecture, particularly in brick Gothic, as well as favouring innovative artistic influences. It is an outstanding example of an architectural ensemble, illustrating significant stages in the commercial and cultural fields in medieval Europe, of which the public, social and religious institutions are a living testimony. Brugge has conserved spatial and structural organizations that characterize its different phases of development, and the historic centre has continued covering exactly the same area as the perimeter of the old settlement. Still an active, living city, it has nevertheless preserved the architectural and urban structures that document the different phases of its development: as part of this continuity, the late 19th-century renovation of facades introduced a neo-Gothic style that is special for Brugge. From 1815 to 1830 Brugge was part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands and since 1830 it has been part of Belgium. The railway reached to Brugge in 1834, causing some changes in the urban fabric. Starting in 1854, the municipal administration prepared plans for urban transformations in the spirit of Haussmann, but only one of these was implemented, in the area of the new theatre, where the medieval fabric was destroyed. During the 19th century, a colony of English aristocrats influenced the cultural life of the city and contributed to a renewed interest in the artistic heritage of Brugge and the restoration of historic buildings, including the founding of the Société d'Emulation pour l'histoire et les antiquités de la Flandre Occidentale. Some of the restorations were fairly substantial, resulting in the building of copies of lost historic buildings. At the same time, tourism found a new interest in the old town. Some damage was incurred during the two World Wars, but as a whole, however, the historic town survived well. From 1968 policies focused on the conservation of the historic town, resulting in the establishment of the Service de la Conservation et de la Rénovation urbaine and the first urban structure plan.
     
Drumband dINk band music in the Autoloze sondag festival in Bruges. Flashmob at the Mark during the Autoloze Zondag festival. Flashmob at the Mark during the Autoloze Zondag festival. During a so-called flash-mob, actors and singers performed on the song "Bicycle" by the pop group Queen.
     
Bruges Antiques and Flea Market – A shopaholic’s dream break. Magical Bruges is an enchanting place to explore with some of the most visually enticing architecture you are ever likely to encounter on a European city break. If you eventually start to suffer from sightseeing overload, the city is also a fabulous place to shop and it’s highly likely that nowhere else is spending money so much fun. Noted for its tempting chocolate shops, glittering diamond stores and lace workshops, a Bruges weekend break can be a bargain hunters’ dream, particularly thanks to its famous weekend flea market. Located at the Dijver, the flea market is a city institution and a great place to rummage for unique gifts, arts and crafts. Antiques and Flea Market in Bruges – Distinctive souvenirs in an idyllic setting The Dijver is the perfect spot to spend a weekend morning browsing for goodies and is one of the city’s most picturesque and historic areas. The market takes place on the leafy tree-lined canalside opposite the imposing Carthusian Convent and a spectacular 15th century merchant house, which is now the upmarket De Tuillerieën Hotel. A long stretch of stalls line the waterfront, selling genuine antiques, artwork, second hand trinkets and one-off curiosities. Pick up a lasting memento of your short break in Bruges, such as elegant lace garments or traditional Flemish basket ware. You will also find tempting gift sets of Belgian chocolate and beer. Bruges Antiques and Flea Market – Showing off the city’s character The Dijver has bags of character and is full of activity; you could easily spend all morning soaking up its atmosphere without any intention of parting with your hard-earned cash. Even more colourful is a Bruges city break on a Saturday, when the historic fish market which neighbours the flea market competes for your attention. Tucked away amongst the stalls are charming little cafes selling tasty Flemish goodies and hot snacks, making the markets the ideal spots to relax and mingle with the locals. Bruges Nightlife: Places and Districts to Go Out in Bruges. Nightlife-wise, Bruges is admittedly not the wildest city. As a rather smart, upmarket place, clubs are few and far between and the scene is a more sedate one. This being Belgium, though, there is one major thing to do in the evening: drink beer. And the number and quality of pubs and bars is definitely one area in which the city is not lacking. Its maze of narrow streets is lined with traditional old pubs where you can wash down some delicious food with a dizzying array of strong Belgian beers. Blekerstraat and Vlamingstraat have a range of great places to choose from, whilst Kemelstraat also has a couple of excellent little pubs. Down to the south of the city, Breidelstraat and Oud Sint-Jan have a little cluster of cooler, loungier places. What proper action there is centers around the lively student places of Langestraat and Kraanplein. On weekends, these tend to be the best bet for later opening hours. For live music, the little square of ‘t Zand has a couple of interesting venues and St Jakobsstraat also has the odd worthwhile joint. But, really, it does seem a little churlish to criticise Bruges’ lack of crazy, late night party places when it does what it does so well. In the summer, terraces and gardens fill up with drinkers, whilst in the winter months, visitors and locals both huddle contentedly inside cozily atmospheric places. Music band on the Bruges streets.
     
Diana Vélez. Diamond Museum Musée du diamant. Diana. (colombian girl) Diamantmuseum Katelijnestraat 43, B-8000 Brugge. HISTORY OF DIAMANTMUSEUM BRUGGE. Diamantmuseum Brugge (Diamond Museum Brugge) was opened on June 19, 1999. The museum has since been extended in several phases. In 2005, the Brazilian Collection and exhibitions on synthetic and industrial diamond opened. Investigations in the city archives of Brugge, together with local historian Ludo Vandamme confirmed that diamond were traded in Brugge long before diamonds were heard of in Antwerp and Amsterdam, and a number of diamond polishers, active in Brugge in the 14th century, were identified. A number of temporary exhibitions have been prepared in the mean time: 2008: "A Sparkling History", the social history of diamond polishers in Brugge and West-Flanders. 2009: "Di-Amour", the history of the diamond ring and diamond jewel During 2010 the Diamond Institute Brugge will open it doors, offering ‘insider courses’ on the diamond world and its secrets. Diamond Museum (diamantmuseum.be), which tells the story of the city's love affair with big rocks – some 85 per cent of the world's rough diamonds are traded in Antwerp's diamond quarter. From October, the museum hosts a new exhibition, For Honour and Glory: Treasures of Napoleon (napoleondiamant.be/en), marking 200 years since the emperor first came to Antwerp with his lavish jewellery collection and inspired the city's love of decorative arts. Henri Maes Belgian Beer, Brewery, old town, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bruges, Flanders, Belgium, Europe. Guided tours of the De Halve Mann brewery are offered daily. Tickets are purchased at the bar in the brewery’s restaurant, entering as groups into the brewery. Only part of the actual brewing process is still active at the Halve Mann brewery, making the tour half brewery and half museum. The tour leads from stainless steel tanks up through a maze of steps and ladders in the old building where the guides explain the brewing process, the demonstrating the flavoring agents of malt, hops and grains. The more interesting parts of the tour are perhaps the tools and machines left over from beer brewing of the past. The end of the tour is a view of Bruges from the roof of the old brewery. The Guided tours last 45 minutes and at the end, a full glass of the brewery’s signiture “Bruges Zot” beer is included with the €5.50 price of the tour, making the tour itself a bargain, well worth the modest price. The De Halve Mann Brewery is located at the Walplein square in the center of Bruges. The tour hours are from 11am to 4pm (until 3pm in winter), but the Brewery Pub Restuarant at the De Halve Maan Brasserie is open from 10am, serving lunch and dinner as well as the varieties of Henri Maes beers. P.S. the ‘Brugse Zot’ is very good and won’t make you feel foolish – unless of course you imbibe like a fool. The famous Belgian mussels with fries (mosselen met frietjes). Mussels are a firm favorite and a side-dish of Moules et frites/Mosselen met friet (Mussels with French fries). The traditional way is to cook them in a pot with white wine and/or oignons and celery, then eat them up using only a mussel shell to scoop them out. The top season is September to April, and as with all other shellfish, do not eat the closed ones. Belgium's mussels always come from the Netherlands earby. Imports from other countries are looked down on. The Friet Museum or the Museum of the chip, whose slogan is' go tot patat friet "ie," a fried potato "is defined as unique in the world, since it only shows the history of the potato and the chip. The museum is housed in an impressive building of S. XIV, and houses more than 400 ancient objects used in the handling of the potatoes. Is also interested in the origin of the chip and the presence of this delicacy in art. After the visit you can taste the "frietjes" in the medieval cellar. www.frietmuseum.be
     
"Zalongou" bronze sculpture (lost wax method) Height: 225cm Artist: Dirk De Keyzer in the Absolute Art Gallery in Dijver Street. Bruges. Bruges Chocolates. One of the best place is The chocolate Line. Bruges is paradise for chocolate lovers. The cobbled streets are filled with chocolate shops selling delicious homemade treats including: pralines, truffles, delicious boozy Kirschen chocolates, and Snowballs (the favourite over there during the winter months). I recommend the Dumon Chocolate shop (Oostendestraat 99 - Torhout - Belgium Phone.: 0032 50 22 16 22 0032 50 22 16 22 - Fax.: 0032 50 222 333) and The Old Chocolate House on Mariastraat (the left side) (1 Mariastraat) Map with directions, which also sells mouth-watering gingerbreads, cookies, biscuits, candies and marzipan. Wherever you walk, chocolate shops are aplenty and chocoholics won’t go hungry! MUSEUM-GALLERY XPO SALVADOR DALI. On display is a rich collection of world-famous graphic art and sculptures, along with a splendid choice of watercolours and drawings. Gold, mother-of-pearl and mirrors will carry you away into the world of surrealism.
Bruges. The Markt Square and the Burg both located in the center of the Old Town are great places to start your tour. The Markt is the main town square in Bruges. This colorful area is surrounded by shops and restaurants. The Grote Markt, or Market Square in Bruges. This square was used as a marketplace since 958, and a weekly market was held here from 985 to August 1983--almost a thousand years! Today the large square is ringed by banks (with ATMs), a post office, and many guild houses converted into outdoor restaurants. The Markt is filled with pedestrians and bicyclists, and is a good place to start or end a walking tour of the city. The Belfry (bell tower) stands guard at the south end of Market Square in Brugge. De Vier Winden (De Sneeuwberg) Restaurant. A fine setting accompanied with a delicious dinning experience, at good prices. The Restaurant is located directly on the Market Street and catches one eye immediately due to the rather surprising display of small thin screened televisions perching through the front windows. The Restaurant is split in to two sections, including a second stage. The orange room, as I call it, has a large screen TV hanging, which was showing at that time the latest mode from around the world. But I am certain that changes during popular Sport Events. The more relaxed atmosphere is in the adjoining room, (where there is no TV), presenting itself in a romantic light with fire place, decorated in a classical style, deep reds, wooden beams and candle light. The Staff is very attentive and friendly; willing to answer any questions you may have concerning Bruges itself (we tested them). We choose to eat a pot of mussels with a white wine brew accompanied with one of their specialty white wines from the region. As we would say in Swiss "Lecker", a simple form of saying "delicious". Cafe Taverne Lion Belge. Bruges.
Landscape with flowers in the coastal town of TimBruges offers a vast choice of local cuisine which does not mean all restaurants serve the same food. Praatk Roeg ´t Speelmanshuys Restaurant.icuro I Brasserie Mozarthuys. This small brasserie just off the Burg was where we had a rather excellent Flemish beef stew (and the obligatory chips). MozartHuys Brasserie Restaurant (ideal for lunch) (Burg area) If you find yourself visiting the Burg area, The MozartHuys Brasserie is the ideal place to stop for lunch. I ended up in here one cold December afternoon after having visited the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the gothic Town Hall in Burg Square. Ideal place for a quick snack or for a long lazy lunch – they do an excellent Flemish stew with fries (fries are served in most restaurants in Bruges) and the mussels in white wine are delicious (another Flemish speciality). Arthie’s, St Martin’s Orangerie (Martin’s Hotels Group) Bistro Restaurant, Wollestraat 10, 8000 Bruges Tipical restaurant in Brugge. Taverne Brugeoise. Menu's rate from 16.00€ to 22.00€. à la carte rate (entrée, main course, dessert, without wine) from 20.00€ to 30.00€. Open from 9h to 22h.Cuisine non stop Open on these following holidays Easter - Easter Monday - Labor Day (01/05) - Ascension Day - Whit Sunday - Whit Monday - Flemish Comm.Day. (11/07) - National day (21/07) - Assumption Day (15/08) - French Comm. Day (27/09) - All Saints' Day (01/11) - Armistice Day (11/11) - New Year's Eve - New Year's Day
BRUGES : The Belfry and the Cloth Hall. The Market square is dominated by the cloth hall and the 83 meter high Belfry tower, one of the symbols of the city. The original cloth hall and tower date from 1240. The first tower, however, was destroyed by fire in 1280. At the time of the fire the four wings of the cloth hall already existed, as well as the two square segments of the belfry. The present octagonal lantern was added to the tower between 1482 en 1486. The wooden spire that crowned the tower was again destroyed by fire in 1493 en 1741. After the last fire it was never rebuilt. Like in most cities of the Low Countries the belfry tower was the place where the important documents of the city were preserved. At the same time such towers were used as watchtowers. Inside hung bells, each bell having a distinct sound and function (e.g.: bells for danger, bells for important announcements, bells to indicate the time, etc.). Bruges at night with the Belfry in the background, the most tipical landscape in Bruges. Evening view over Bruges : the Dijver canal and the Belfry tower. Brugge by bicycle. Brugge is a very cyclist-friendly city. In most of the one-way streets in the centre, you can cycle in both directions. On the bigger streets outside the old town, you mostly have cycle lanes. We also cycled a bit in direction Damme, along the canal, really great!. here are many places that rent bikes and it is by far the most popular form of transportation in Brugge. If you are staying in a hostel, you may be able to get a bike for free or get one at a discount. f you are renting from a bike renting store you will probably have to give them around 20 euro as a deposit that you will get back later and the rental will be around 9 - 12 euro per bike. Considering you get the bike for an entire day, it is well worth it. There are many little villages around Brugge that can be easily reached on a bicycle and a nice little day trip. So pack some sandwiches and a blanket and enjoy the day.
BRUGES : The Town Hall and the Burg Square. Bruges is a city with two town squares. The largest one is the Market, the commercial heart of medieval Bruges. The second square is called the 'Burg'. Here was, and still is, the heart of the administrative Bruges. It was here that Count Baldwin I had a fortified castle built to protect the area against the ramping Normans and Vikings. The castle has long since disappeared as well as the main religious building of Bruges, the St. Donatius church, which stood on the opposite site of the town hall. On the site of the church is now a little wall, a partial reconstruction of the choir walls of the church. It was built here after the foundations of St. Donatius had been found back in 1955. The church was erected around the year 900. The central part was octagonal, much like the cathedral of Charlemagne in the German city of Aachen on which it was modeled. The original prayer house of the year 900 was replaced in the 12th century by a church in Romanesque style. This version of the St. Donatius church was destroyed in 1799 during the French occupation of the Southern Netherlands. Some of the art treasures went to other churches (St. Salvator's Cathedral in Bruges). Several famous people were buried in St. Donatius : the English princess Gunhilde (+ 1087), the Flemish painter Jan van Eyck (+ 1441) and the Spanish philosopher Juan Luis Vives (+ 1540). BRUGES : The Town Hall and the Burg Square. Count Baldwin I had a fortified castle built to protect the area against the ramping Normans and Vikings. One of the most beautiful buildings of Bruges can be seen here : the gothic town hall from 1376. It was one of thefirst monumental town halls in the Low Countries. In the front facade are six gothic windows. On the frontside are also displayed the town weapons of the cities and villages that were under administrative rule from Bruges. There are 48 niches for statues. The original statues (biblical figures and counts of Flanders) where demolished during the aftermath of the French Revolution. Their 19th century replacements have also already been changed for more modern versions. In the entrance hall a large staircase leads to the so-called Gothic Hall (1386-1401). This hall was decorated in 1895 with neo-gothic wall paintings that illustrate the most important events in the history of Bruges. The Burg square is really a showcase of different European architectural styles. Next to the gothic town hall stands the Old Civil Registry in renaissance style. (1534-1537). The decorative statues were also smashed to pieces in 1792, but later renovated. The bronze statues represent Justice, Moses and Aaron. Since 1883 the building is used as Peace Court. On its left side is another building in another style: the former Court of Justice in neo-classicist style. (1722-1727). Inside this building is the famous monumental chimney of the 'Brugse Vrije'. The chimney was built between 1528 and 1581 in wood, alabaster and marble, to commemorate the victory of Emperor Charles V on the French king François I in Pavia. The former Court of Justice now houses the Tourist Information center of Bruges. Pub cathedraak in Bruges. Cathedraak in Bruges mixes in joyous irreverence a spirited party in once sacred surroundings. One of the 3 resident DJ's mixes from a rostrum, to the delight of his flock, now dance floor converts. Should you pass by too early for these kind of celebrations, you can still come and admire the gothic setting lit up by an open fire.
A view of one of the many canals that flow through the medieval city of Bruges, and the Belfry. Bruges, sometimes known as the Venice of the North, has a population of over 117,000, of which 20,000 live in the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site city center. The city was founded by Vikings in the 9th century, and from the 12th to the 15th century, Bruges become a major trading center because of its location near the North Sea and its canals, but in the 1500s, its major channel began to silt, and Bruges fell into despair until tourism and a new port brought new life in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Belfry, seen in the background at 272 feet, is a famous bell tower built in the 13th century. Inside the tower, 48 bells can be found along with 366 steps to the top. In 2008, a film staring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson was filmed almost entirely in the city, and was not surprisingly titled In Bruges. Festival Brugge Centraal. 'Installation de feu - Compagnie Carabosse': poetic and festive walking trail with fire installations. Following Brugge 2002, Cultural Capital of Europe and Corpus Brugge 05, in 2010 Bruges is back on the cultural map with a major city festival. The theme is 'Central Europe'. For about four months 'Brugge Centraal' will draw people to an intense and varied selection of concerts, films, stage shows and exhibitions. The programme has been put together in cooperation with Bruges' cultural institutions and various local players in the arts. Brugge Centraal. Every five years, Bruges is the setting for a major cultural city festival. This time creative people from the area and artists from Central Europe are taking over the city. For about four months 'Brugge Centraal' will draw people to an intense and varied selection of concerts, films, stage shows and exhibitions. The programme balances East and West, past and present, confrontation and harmony. The modern art trail 'Luc Tuymans: A Vision of Central Europe' and the historic exhibition 'Van Eyck to Dürer' are the stars of this major event. 'Installation de feu - Compagnie Carabosse': poetic and festive walking trail with fire installations.
  Bruges photographies of the city