Bruges (Brugge)

Bruges

Bruges (Brugge) known as the

“Venice of the North” is one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Europe. Located in the northwest of Belgium is crossed by canals especially in its historic center which is considered World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is believed that the name Brugge (Bruges in Dutch) derives from the old Dutch “brugga” which means “bridge”. The narrow streets and canals along with the beautiful buildings form beautiful landscapes. In the 11th century Bruges was an important commercial centre for the wool industry and in the end of the 13th century was the main connection with the trade of the Mediterranean Sea. At that time became a financial centre of great importance in the region, in 1309 opened the Bourse then being the most modern of the money market throughout the area. In the 16th century Bruges was separated from the Netherlands and the port of Antwerp took a large part of the trade that had. The city of Bruges started losing commercial importance. The architecture of Bruges is brilliant, the highlights are the Church of Our Lady (Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk) with its huge brick tower, the Basilica of the Holy Blood (Heilig Bloed Basiliek), the Burg, the Belforf (Belfry) a medieval tower located on Market Square (Markt). Groeninge Museum and Memling Museum should be visited.  Do not miss out in Bruges, a trip through the canals . The famous Belgian waffles are everywhere, try them and you will not regret it. In a quiet place you can also enjoy one of over 350 different Belgian beers available. Moules and chocolate are also famous in Bruges. Hotels in Bruges

What to visit in Bruges: Basilica of the Holy Blood; Church of Our Lady (Onze Lieve Vrouwekerke; Market Square; Belford (Belfry); Groeninge Museum; The Burg; Stadhuis (City Hall); Begijnhof (Ten Wijngaerde);

Restaurants in Bruges

• The Olive Tree
• Eetkroeg In ‘t Nieuw Museum
• In Den Wittenkop
• Pieter Pourbus
• Quatre Mains
• Bistro Pro Deo
• Ribs n’ Beer
• Le Chef et Moi
• De Stove

Transports in Bruges

Ostende Bruges International Airport (OST): There are domestic and international flights to/from Bruges.

By train and bus: There are trains and buses to/from several cities in Belgium and Europe.

Maps of Bruges

Map of Bruges

Bruges on Map of Belgium