Bruges

Bruges is the most beautiful Belgian city. If you have only one day in Belgium, spend it here. The city has many water canals and this gives it a special flavor. The best pictures can be taken on the banks of the canals.

Bruges looks better in the evening when the sun illuminates the beautiful old houses and daily tourists have already gone. Streets become empty, quiet and extremely comfortable.










Old town in Bruges is quite large (2x3 km) and clearly limited by channels, so do not forget a map. Here you can wander all the day long as we did. Some places look just like on the pictures from the past.




There are pleasure boats on the channels, but we were quite satisfied with walking tour.


The main square of the city.








Belfort is the symbol of the city, it was built in 1240, andexpanded as a result of reconstruction in 1483-87. There is a viewing platform on top.


On the Market square there are colorful houses with restaurants where we had lunch. A set menu for 17-30 euros is usual for Belgium. You can find cheaper, but not in the center.


Burg square is located next to the Market square. Long time ago there was a castle, but it was destroyed. Accordingly, Bruges was founded on this place. On the square stands the Town Hall and Basilica of the Holy Blood (entrance is free).


Near the Town Hall find a balcony, traditional for medieval cities in Europe.


Artist draws kittens


Since the channels are everywhere, many houses stand on the water, like in Venice.


Logic says that this is sculpture 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Actually, if it has different title, the architect made ​​a mistake.


There are religious sculpture over many doorways which are typical for Belgium.


The famous Flemish painter of 15th century Jan van Eyck died in Bruges.


Sheels can be seen in many places. It is the symbol of Saint James, the patron saint of travelers.


Always pay attention to small things around you.


The city has two large religious structures. Church of Our Lady is known for sculpture of the Virgin and Child by Michelangelo, the only such sculpture outside Italy.




Nearby stands the St. Salvator's Cathedral, which was built in 1116-18. It is decorated with paintings by famous artists of the past.




This and other maps of Bruges in PDF can be downloaded here.

In the city was filmed quite a famous film "In Bruges" (2008). Here you can download a map in PDF (5 Mb) with the places shown in the film.

Getting to Bruges: the easiest way by train as train service is very well developed in Belgium. Travel time from Brussels 1:00, from Antwerp 1:20, from Ghent 0:20.