Bruges is located in the Belgium province West-Flanders in a 2-hour drive from Utrecht (Holland). In the 9th century this town was conquered by the Vikings, that's why the name of the city is likely to come from the Scandinavian word 'bryggia' that means 'port'. Bruges is situated not far from the North Sea, so it became quite an important international trade centre. Later, in the middle ages, a big wall around Bruges was built.
Beguinage. It's one of the main places of interest in Bruges. It was founded in the 13th century, though the most of the white houses appeared only in the 17th and 18th centuries. The arch bridge, which forms the entrance of the Palace, was built in 1570. Beguine sisterhood doesn't live there anymore and this place belongs now to the Benedictines from De Wijngaard convent. The house under number 1 serves as the museum, so everyone can get an idea of Beguine's way of life. The kitchen, dining-room, bedrooms are furnished in style of 17th century. Primordially the main chapel was made of wood, but, unfortunately, it burnt down. In 1605 on its place the chapel in baroque style was built, it remained undamaged till our times. Everyone can visit the chapel. There one can see the oldest in Bruges image of Our Lady, created in 1240. On the right altar there is the alabaster sculpture of Christ of the 17th century.
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guide to Brugge with maps, photos and weather conditions.
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