Brugge - A beautiful Belgian city

Brugge is a beautiful Belgian mediaeval city. It is distinguished by its cobbled streets, canals and squares.

On the main square it has an ornately carved 14^th century city hall, as well as the Liberty of Brugge and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.

From the 13^th to the 15^th century Brugge was at the centre of the trading crossroads in Northwest Europe. The magnificent facades derive from the embassies of the trading nations and wealthy merchant families from this time.

The city has a Begijnhof. A Begijnhof is a walled oasis of spiritual peace with a delightful inner garden. They were places where single religious women lived and prayed; however they were not tied to the church ie no vows.

Markt Square’s 13^th century belfry has a 47 bell carillon and an 83m tower.

Brugge’s streets are filled with chocolate shops; cafes selling mussels, fries and beers; and touters for canal, miniature train or walking tours. It is a tourist mecca. With a population of some 120,000 people, the city more than doubles with tourists.

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