Bruges, Belgium
This post is dedicated to my two high school friends Danielle and Peter, who are on their way to Europe and requested some personalized, insider tips. Want some, too? Send me a message or comment below.
Welcome to Bruges.
Commonly referred to as the “Venice of the North,” the city of Bruges, Belgium hosts a wide variety of activities for its countless visitors. Whether you are interested in museums, history, architecture or simply divine food, Bruges has something for you.
While the city is teeming with museums, my personal favorite is the Groeninge Museum of Art and History. It was here that I discovered interactive art pieces and some of the most beautiful fabric work painted that I have ever seen. Art not your style? Then feel free to visit the Frietsmuseum, a museum dedicated to Belgium fries, Choco-Story, a chocolate museum, or the Diamond Museum (an export that Flanders, specifically Antwerp, is famous for).
A remarkable aspect of Bruges is that the city itself feels like one large window into the past. Start your journey through time and into the Old City by crossing the Lover's Bridge at Minnewater. One of the first things to catch your eye is the Powder Tower, dating back to the 15th century. It is a watchtower and gunpowder depository, hence the name, from the original fortress surrounding Bruges. Continue on and you will come upon the Begijnhof, or the beguinage for a slightly easier pronunciation. These buildings form a community that once housed women who took an oath to follow the teaching of the apostles; they lived promoting a life of simplicity, poverty and preaching but were free to leave and break their vows whenever they chose. The beguinage of Bruges dates back to 1245 and is considered one of the best preserved beguinages in Europe. Recommencing with our tour, you will come across the Bonifacius Bridge. While often perceived to be the oldest bridge in Bruges, in actuality it only dates back to 1910. However, one look at the picturesque bridge and you can imagine why so many romantic notions are placed on it. Legend has it that upon crossing the bridge, the first person you see is who you will marry.
The legend about the swans of Bruges: In 1488 the people of Bruges had executed one of the town administrators belonging to the court of Maximilian of Austria. The town administrator, Pieter Lanchals, family coat of arms featured a white swan. Legend has it that Maximilian punished Bruges by obliging the population to keep swans on their lakes and canals till eternity.
Whether a lover of Gothic, Renaissance or Neo-Classicist architectural stylings, Bruges offers a sumptuous feast for any visiting eye. The Gothic-styled Town Hall, located off Burg square, is viewed as one of the most beautiful buildings in Bruges and one of the oldest in the Low Countries, being built in 1376. Despite the original facade, painted by Jan van Eyck, being destroyed in the 18th century, the building retains much of its original integrity. Also situated off Burg square is the Basilica of the Holy Blood. This 16th century building is actually two churches, one of which boasts of a relic containing Christ’s blood allegedly gathered by Joseph of Arimathea. Other notable churches are the Church of Our Lady and St. Salvator Kathedral.
Castles abound throughout Belgium, an estimated 3,000 to put a number on it, and Bruges boasts at least three within the city limits. These are Castles Loppern, Ten Berghe and Male. It should be noted that Castle Male is not in reference to the English word “male” as we know it; but rather based on origin in what was the town of Male, Belgium. Dating back to the 9th century, the castle belonged once to the Counts of Flanders and is now utilized as an abbey for the sisters of the Holy Sepulcher.
I’ve found that a lot of travelers (myself definitely included) tend to be foodies to some degree and Bruges is notwithstanding. From the Belgian fries to waffles to chocolate, your taste buds will delighted. Stores offer wide varieties of chocolate, truffles and Belgian marzipan. Marzipan is not something typically found in the United States, but is very popular in Europe; it's a confection consisting of sugar or honey and almond meal. But of course we can't forget the most important food group of all: beer. Bruges is flush with artisanal beers available to imbibe. My personal favorite tasting spots are the Beerwall, Le Trappiste and the Bruges Beer Museum, to name a few.
If you find yourself journeying to Bruges during the winter season, make sure to explore the Christmas market held in the main square. The countless stalls are filled with traditional Belgian and European toys, decor and of course, food! This lovely festival and market takes place typically the last week in November until the first week in January.
Bu don’t just walk around! The city can be explored in numerous ways. Travel by boat on a tour through the canals and view Bruges from a different perspective. Or step up your tour a notch and rent a bike for as low as €4 an hour. If you are feeling fancy, you can even rent a horse carriage and traverse the city in style.
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