10 Must-Dos When In Bruges
A timeless spectacle, Bruges is a charming city full of medieval
flavour. Its architectural treasures lure the eye, revealing a
city of rich history. Serene canals and tight cobbled streets
seize your imagination, enticing you to explore more and more.
1. Markt Square Watch the world go by in one of the Markt
Square's multitude of cafes and restaurants. A vibrant open
area, relax with a coffee as the rat race scuttles around you.
2. Basilica of the Holy Blood Upon homecoming from the Crusades,
the count of Flanders returned with what was believed to be the
blood of Christ. Unopened to this day, the relic remains in this
12th century chapel.
3. Groeningen Museum Bruges is blessed with many fine art
museums, in particular the Groeningen, with Belgian and Dutch
paintings including the works of Jan Van Eyck and Hieronymous
Bosch.
4. Church of Our Lady Believed to be the only sculpture to have
left Italy in his lifetime, Michelangelo's Madonna is a
beautiful marble figure brought to Bruges in 1506 and housed
ever since in the Church of Our Lady.
5. Memling Museum Originally built as a medieval hospital, the
Memling Museum offers a fascinating insight into Bruges ancient
history. Today, the museum is part of the St John's Hospital
complex.
6. Zand Feasts July, August and September are host to these ever
popular flea markets. Crowds flock to inspect the arts, crafts
and souvenirs on offer at the lively bazaars.
7. The Belfry One of the great landmarks of the city, the 83
meter high Belfry tower dominates the main city square. Dating
back to 1240, the original tower was destroyed by fire and
subsequently rebuilt. Climb the 366 steps for a magnificent view
of the city.
8. The Canals Sometimes referred to as 'The Venice of the
North', Bruges is a myriad of canal networks. Originally an
important trade route, nowadays the canals are used solely for
tourism and are a great way of seeing the town from a different
perspective.
9. The Minnewater Known locally as 'The Lake of Love', this
enchanting lake stands at the entrance to the city. Elegant
swans adorn the lake which affords commanding panoramic views
across the city. During the summer, pop concerts play in the
adjacent park, luring the crowds from near and afar.
10. The Beguinage If the busy and overcrowded city centre
streets become too much, tranquillity can be yours in the garden
of the Beguinage, a monastery for the Benedictine sisters who
still live there today.