With its network of quiet canals and cobbled streets Bruges is a photographer’s delight. It’s almost impossible to take a bad picture but being peaceful doesn’t mean there isn’t lots to do and the food is fabulous - not to mention all that Belgian chocolate. I
Belgium - Bruges. History of Bruges
By the 13th century Bruges was already an important international trading centre. Flemish cloth was internationally acclaimed and shipped all over Europe. Unfortunately, by the 15th century the prosperity of Bruges was threatened when the harbour which connected Bruges with the North Sea began to silt up and ultimately the silt won out. Bruges could not compete with the larger harbour of Antwerp and by the end of the 16th century the city began a long slow decline. By the middle of the 1800’s Bruges was the poorest city in Belgium. Then along came the 20th century which brought a new kind of wealth - international tourism. The medieval beauty of the city drew visitors from around the world and with them came a new source of wealth for the ‘Venice of the North’.
Belgium - Bruges. What to do in Bruges
The heart of Bruges is surrounded by an almost continuous ring of canals - the reason it is likened to Venice. A canal boat trip is a very pleasant, tranquil way to see some of the city’s lovely old houses which line the banks. You can also take a horse-drawn cab on a guided tour and enjoy the quiet cobbled streets. Bruges is a very relaxing place.
Over the centuries Bruges became synonymous with lace-making. It is one of the oldest lacemaking centres in the world and is renowned for the intricate designs it produces. There are lace shops everywhere and often women sit outside weaving their complex patterns with what seem like dozens of small bobbins.
The Antiques and Flea Market, located on the Dijver, next to the canal, is a good place for shopping, there are many stalls selling all kinds of goods and, of course, a healthy display of Belgian chocolate and beer, the country’s two most famous exports. (March to October, every Saturday and Sunday from 12h00 - 17h00)
Take a trip to the Diamond Museum, climb the bell tower at the Markt for a great view of the city, or visit the Brewery Museum and sample the famous beers.
Belgium - Bruges. What to eat and where
The Markt is a splendid square surrounded by beautiful old houses, some dating back to the 14th century, many of which are now busy restaurants and bars. Beer is a basic ingrediant of Carbonnades Flamandes, a Flemish beef stew, and the country is famous for its mussels and frites (french fries to North Americans, chips to the rest of us).
Buy a Belgian Waffle from a street vendor. They are usually dusted with confectioner’s sugar and sometimes topped with whipped cream.
Belgium - Bruges. Getting there
London-Brussels by Eurostar train in 1hour 51 minutes. Free connection from Brussels to Bruges.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
