Bruges - Belgium
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B&B, Hotels and Hostels in Bruges
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Bruges is an outstanding example of a medieval historic settlement, which has
maintained its historic fabric as this has evolved over the centuries, and where
original Gothic constructions form part of the town's identity. As one of the
commercial and cultural capitals of Europe, Bruges developed cultural links to
different parts of the world. It is closely associated with the school of
Flemish Primitive painting.
Home to Europe's best-preserved medieval buildings, Bruges is Belgium's most visited town. Suspended in time 500 years ago by the silting of its river, this 13th-century city is blessed with two medieval cores, the Markt and the Burg, and some of the country's most compelling art collections.
Like Ghent, but on a more concentrated scale, it has most of its medieval architecture intact. There are many beautiful medieval buildings, including the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady), whose brick spire - at 122m - is Europe's highest brick tower/building. Bruges is also famous for its 13th century Belfort, housing a municipal Carillion comprising of 47 bells. The city still employs a full-time bell ringer, who puts on regular free concerts. Other famous buildings in Bruges include the Beguinage, the Heilig Bloed Basiliek (the Basilica of the Holy Blood), the modern Concert Hall and the St-John Hospital. Bruges also has a very fine collection of medieval and early modern art, including the world-famous collection of Flemish Primitives. Various masters, such as Hans Memling and Jan van Eyck, lived and worked in Bruges. In the middle of summer Bruges teems with tourists; out of season its beauty is an easier delight to behold. The whole historic centre of Bruges was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2000 and, in 2002, Bruges took centre stage as the European City of Culture.
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