BRUGES
VENICE OF THE NORTH
Information
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Known as the ‘Venice of the North’ [6].
Once a fortified town, now only 4 (out of 9) 14th century gates are left standing [6].
Regarded as one of the best preserved medieval towns of Europe [6].
The fortress of Bruges was constructed by the first count of Flanders ‘Baldwin Iron Arm’ [6].
The town tremendously flourished by trading and manufacturing fabrics from English wool [6].
By the 1300s, the Bruges townsmen were so wealthy that it even caught the attention of Joanna of Navarre (the wife of the French King Philip the Fair) [6].
By the 15th century, the population of Bruges grew to 200,000 inhabitants (double of London) [6].
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In the 15th century, tensions began to rise between Bruges and the new Habsburg overloads [6].
In 1482, the Habsburgs rose the city tax and removed some of the privileges of the Guildsmen in the city, which elicited a decade of riots [6].
It was to the point that the townsmen were planning to imprison Maximillian of Austria (the future Holy Roman Emperor) [6].
The Habsburgs reacted in fury by forcing the townsmen to destroy its city walls [6].
What made the situation even worse, was the Zwin channel had dried up, which disconnected the sea access from the town [6].
With all these problems transpiring, the traders and merchants moved to Antwerp [6].
For 400 years, the city was in a slumber with abandoned houses, streets, and canals [6].
In the 19th century, the city began to emerge from its slumber, as war tourist had passed through the town when visiting the battle of Waterloo [6].
Now the city is a lively tourist destination [6].
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Attractions
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The name of the Basilica derives from the belief that some of the blood of Jesus was bottled, and brought to the church at the end of the 12th century [6].
A 13th-century belfry, that stands 83 metres [6].
The belfry provides a lookout view of the city (366 steps) [6].
The bells are played manually on an unfixed schedule (Usually on Wednesdays and weekends) [6].
Specific times are noted in front of the Belfort [6].
Known to be the ‘Lovers’ Bridge’, as it’s a tradition to share your first kiss here [6].
Provides peaceful views of the scenery and canals [6].
Canal rides are open from 10 am to 6pm between March and November [6].
The boat ride tends to go for 30 minutes, and it cost 8 euros for an adult (4 euros for a child) [6].
Built in the 13th century [6].
The full height of the church reaches 115 metres [6].
The church is known for the 1504 Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child statue masterpiece (only piece of work from Michelangelo to leave Italy) and the tombs of Charles the Bold and his daughter Mary of Burgundy [6].
Built in 1420 [6].
The building contains replicas of the counts of Flanders [6]
The heart of Bruges, which consist of open markets, horse carriages, and the Statues of Pieter De Coninck and Jan Breydel; who were the leaders of the anti-French revolt (‘Martin of bruges’) [6].
Built in the 13th century [6].
A striking cathedral that looks beautiful during the night [6].
Trips
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One of Belgium’s best beach resorts [6].
It’s known for Albert Einstein accommodating here for some months, after he fled from Germany in 1933 [6].
The largest city on the coast of Belgium, and is one of the most stylish seaside resorts in Europe [6].
It’s famously known for Marvin Gaye, the soul singer, who resided in the town from February 1981 [6].
Gaye was invited by Freddy Cousaert, a Belgian DJ, to visit Belgium [6].
The visit turned into a 2 year stay, which was beneficial for his health, as he was suffering from drug addiction, divorce, and attempted suicide (in Hawaii, 2 years prior) [6].
He also wrote his classic sexual healing song here [6].
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Once he left the town to Los Angeles, he died 2 years later at the age of 44 [6].
He was shot by his father who provoked him into murder, due to his cocaine hysteria [6].
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GUIDE
INFORMATION
Known as the ‘Venice of the North’ [6].
Once a fortified town, now only 4 (out of 9) 14th century gates are left standing [6].
Regarded as one of the best preserved medieval towns of Europe [6].
The fortress of Bruges was constructed by the first count of Flanders ‘Baldwin Iron Arm’ [6].
The town tremendously flourished by trading and manufacturing fabrics from English wool [6].
By the 1300s, the Bruges townsmen were so wealthy that it even caught the attention of Joanna of Navarre (the wife of the French King Philip the Fair) [6].
By the 15th century, the population of Bruges grew to 200,000 inhabitants (double of London) [6].
[expand title=””]
In the 15th century, tensions began to rise between Bruges and the new Habsburg overloads [6].
In 1482, the Habsburgs rose the city tax and removed some of the privileges of the Guildsmen in the city, which elicited a decade of riots [6].
It was to the point that the townsmen were planning to imprison Maximillian of Austria (the future Holy Roman Emperor) [6].
The Habsburgs reacted in fury by forcing the townsmen to destroy its city walls [6].
What made the situation even worse, was the Zwin channel had dried up, which disconnected the sea access from the town [6].
With all these problems transpiring, the traders and merchants moved to Antwerp [6].
For 400 years, the city was in a slumber with abandoned houses, streets, and canals [6].
In the 19th century, the city began to emerge from its slumber, as war tourist had passed through the town when visiting the battle of Waterloo [6].
Now the city is a lively tourist destination [6].
[/expand]
ATTRACTIONS
The name of the Basilica derives from the belief that some of the blood of Jesus was bottled, and brought to the church at the end of the 12th century [6].
A 13th-century belfry, that stands 83 metres [6].
The belfry provides a lookout view of the city (366 steps) [6].
The bells are played manually on an unfixed schedule (Usually on Wednesdays and weekends) [6].
Specific times are noted in front of the Belfort [6].
Known to be the ‘Lovers’ Bridge’, as it’s a tradition to share your first kiss here [6].
Provides peaceful views of the scenery and canals [6].
Canal rides are open from 10 am to 6pm between March and November [6].
The boat ride tends to go for 30 minutes, and it cost 8 euros for an adult (4 euros for a child) [6].
Built in the 13th century [6].
The full height of the church reaches 115 metres [6].
The church is known for the 1504 Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child statue masterpiece (only piece of work from Michelangelo to leave Italy) and the tombs of Charles the Bold and his daughter Mary of Burgundy [6].
Built in 1420 [6].
The building contains replicas of the counts of Flanders [6]
The heart of Bruges, which consist of open markets, horse carriages, and the Statues of Pieter De Coninck and Jan Breydel; who were the leaders of the anti-French revolt (‘Martin of bruges’) [6].
Built in the 13th century [6].
A striking cathedral that looks beautiful during the night [6].
TRIPS
One of Belgium’s best beach resorts [6].
It’s known for Albert Einstein accommodating here for some months, after he fled from Germany in 1933 [6].
The largest city on the coast of Belgium, and is one of the most stylish seaside resorts in Europe [6].
It’s famously known for Marvin Gaye, the soul singer, who resided in the town from February 1981 [6].
Gaye was invited by Freddy Cousaert, a Belgian DJ, to visit Belgium [6].
The visit turned into a 2 year stay, which was beneficial for his health, as he was suffering from drug addiction, divorce, and attempted suicide (in Hawaii, 2 years prior) [6].
He also wrote his classic sexual healing song here [6].
[expand title=””]
Once he left the town to Los Angeles, he died 2 years later at the age of 44 [6].
He was shot by his father who provoked him into murder, due to his cocaine hysteria [6].
[/expand]
Bruges Experience
My experience of Bruges comprised of 1 night. In my stay I got to explore the whole city and experience its Christmas Markets. In my opinion, Bruges is an amazing city for its distinct appearance. There are not many places in Europe that look like it. Therefore, once you see it for the first time, it gives you a reaction, which I think is important in Europe as a lot of places can start blending together. The most noticeable feature of the city, is that the centre is a one big pedestrian zone. This allows you to roam and explore different parts of the city. And every part has something beautiful. The obvious attraction is the ‘markt of Bruges’, which is the town square. This place is filled with many colourful buildings and the iconic ‘Belfry of Bruges’ (Medieval bell tower). My favourite part of the city are the canals, which looks even more amazing at night when the lights reflect upon it. Bruges is a city that you can visit during any time of the year. In the warmer months, you can base yourself in the town and take a train to the seashore to relax at Belgium’s top beach resort, ‘Ostend’, which is only 14 minutes away. Or during the Christmas season, you can enjoy the Christmas lights. Overall, Bruges is a great destination that should be included in your Europe Trip.
