Bruges was founded in the 9th century by Vikings who settled here at the end of the little river 'de Reie'. The name is probably derived from the old-Scandinavian word 'Brygga', which means 'harbour' or 'mooring place'.  Once a major international trading centre, Bruges fell into decline in the 15th century, but has been slowly resurrected during the last 150 years.  

The medieval-looking town is Belgium's most popular destination.  Often criticised a 'fake' due to the amount of reconstruction of its fine houses and buildings in the 19th and 20th centuries, nevertheless, it is pure picture postcard. 

For many visitors, the entrance to the city is the Minnewater, a picturesque lake, and its lovely park.  One of the symbols of Bruges is the swan, and there are always plenty of them on the lake. From the bridge, built in 1740, it is possible to enjoy a a lovely view of Bruges.  

Central Bruges is located between two central squares, the Markt and the Burg.   The Markt is now pedestrianised and is the city's medieval core.  It is here the Belfort (Belfry) rises above the square, and from where you can get a great aerial view of the city after climbing the 366 steps to the top!  Nearby, the Burg is where Belgium's oldest Stadhuis (town hall) is situated, as well as the Heilig-Bloedbasiliek (Basilica of the Holy Blood). 

The city can be explored from the comfort of a canal boat, which takes tourists around the myriad of waterways that lead to the city.  Indeed, Bruges is often referred to as the 'Venice of the North'.  You could also take a horse-drawn carriage from the Markt, or rent a bike and take a half-day bike tour.

 

 

 

• Onze Lieve Vrouwerk ~ The Church of Our Lady has a remarkable treasure: Michelangelo's Madonna and Child, a small marble statue, which was the only piece of work by Michelangelo that left Italy in his lifetime.
• Stadhuis ~ The oldest town Hall in the country. 
• The Chapel of the Holy Blood ~ (see above).  The Chapel was first constructed in the 12th century and promoted to the rank of Basilica in 1923. You can enter the church on the first floor where a few coagulated drops of Christ's blood are cherished. 
• Groeningemuseum and Memlingmuseum ~ Two art museums, the first home to art dating from the 14th to the present day, most notably Flemish art, and the second housing a selection of art by Hans Memling.    
• Choco Story ~ Bruges's newest attraction, telling the story of chocolate!
• De Halve Maan/Straffe Hendrik ~ Family brewery offering guided tours and a chance to sample the wares at the end! 
• Belfort ~ The Market square is dominated by the Belfry tower, 83 metres high, which offers amazing views over the city, and which is one of the symbols of the city.
• The Diamond Museum ~ The newest of only five diamond museums in the world. Bruges is where the art of diamond polishing was invented in the 15th century by local goldsmith Lodewijk van Berquem.  On display is a reconstruction of a workshop, replicas of the crown of Margaret of York, a mine shaft and  genuine manufacturing tools used within the diamond industry.