Bruges

In the middle ages, Bruges was one of Europe's most prosperous cities. Its wealth derived from trade which brought silks, furs, Asian carpets, wine, fruits, even exotic pets to its busy network of canals. Then in about 1500 Bruges fell from grace and slumbered for four centuries. it remained a pocket-sized medieval city, its poverty alleviated by almshouses, pious institutions, and a cottage industry supplying Europe's thirst for lace.

 

 In the late 19-th century, antiquarians recognized Bruges as a historic gem, and began a campaign of preservation and restoration. The city has been a tourist destination since that time, and has recently undergone a second renaissance, with a new generation bringing reinvigorated flair to hotels, restaurants and bars. Bruges has internationally famous collections of art, but is also a wonderfully walkable city, with surprising views on every corner.

Bruges Places of Interest

Markt

1.Markt - The central marketplace of Bruges still retains much of its original outline flanked by old step-gabled guild houses, but the Provincial Hof, the provincial government building on the eastern side, is actually a late 19th century creation. The Markt remains the focal point of Bruges, and is the site of a large market on Wednesday mornings, and a small Christmas market in December.

2.Belfort - For a breathtaking view over Bruges medieval streets, climb the 366 steps to the top of the Belfort. The set of bells at the top include the 47 carillon bells that are rung by a mechanism installed in 1748. But they can also be played manually from a keyboard on the floor below by the town's beiaardier (carillon player).                                                  

Hotels in Europe

3.Burg - This intimate and fetching square - a glittering confection of historic architecture, scultpure and gilding - was the focal point of old Bruges.

4.Steenhouwersdijk and Groenerei - Just south of the Burg is one of the prettiest stretches of canal, where calm waters reflect the medieval bridges and skyline. Here, the Steenhouwersdijk (stonemason's embankment) becomes the Groenerei (green canal) and is flanked by a picturesque almshouse called De Pelikaan, dated 1714 and named after the symbol of Christian charity, the pelican.

Groenerei

5.Groeningemuseum - Not only is this one of the great north European collections, with star roles played by the late medieval masters of Flemish painting, such as Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling, it is also refreshingly small.

6.Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk - The towering spire of the Church of Our Lady is another key landmark of Bruges's skyline. It's a strange architectural mishmash: the exterior is a good example of the rather austere style known as Scheldt Gothic, and was built over two centuries from 1220 onward. The interior is essentially  Gothic, with Baroque flourishes to its statues and extravagant pulpit. This is a rather surprising setting for one of the great treasures of northern Europe: Michelangelo's Madonna and Child, a work that came here by virtue of Bruges close links to Renaissance Italy. The church's museum includes the beautiful gilt-brass tombs, rich in contemporary detail, of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy and his daughter.

Hotels in Bruges

7.Gruuthusemuseum - It it is hard to picture quite how life was led during Bruges past, this museum will do much to fill in the gaps. It presents a rich collection of everyday artifacts from the homes of the merchant classes, from kitchenware to musical instruments, furniture, textiles and weapons. The 15th century building was once the palace of the Lords of Gruuthuse, who became wealthy through a tax on beer flavorings, as a mark of their status, the house has a gallery overlooking the choir of the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk next door. The house was restored in the 19th century to exhibit the pieces that founded this collection.

Oud Brugge Restaurant

Bruges Restaurants

1. Den Dyver - A paradise for beer pilgrims: most of the dishes are cooked with Belgian beer, and come with a selected beer, demonstrating an astounding range of flavors.
2. De karmeliet - With three Michelin stars, this is among Belgium's top restaurants. Exquisite.
3. Saint Amour - Dine in candle-lit brick-lined vaults. Chef Johan Nelissen has twice been voted best chef in Flanders.
4. Resto Mojo - An informal brasserie with friendly waiters and an interesting menu, including ostrich carpaccio and octopus tagliatelli.


Favorite Tweets by @BookingHotelIN

Follow Booking Hotel IN on Facebook