Travel Guide to Brugge, Belgium

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.

Beguinage is situated near the Minnewater Lake, which used to be the part of the channel that connected Bruges and Ghent. Nowadays it's a small picturesque lake with beautiful swans swimming along it. There is an interesting legend in Bruges connected with swans: 'When Maximilian of Austria raised the taxes not for the first time, the citizenry of Bruges rebelled and captivated him. And the appointed town administrator, whose name was Pieter Lanchals (it means 'long neck'), was beheaded. When Maximilian got the power back, he made an order, according to which in Bruges swans (because they also have long necks) are to be bred till the end of the world. Do you know how to differ a female swan from a male swan? You can guess by the mark: male swans have it on the right clutch and female swans have on the left one.

The chapel of the Holy Blood. The chapel of the Holy Blood was built on the Basilius Chapel of the 12th century. The lower church is a wonderful example of Romanesque style. On the right nave there is a colored wooden image of the Virgin with the baby of about 1300. Primordially the chapel of the Holy Blood was built in the Romanesque style, but in the 15th century after the reconstruction it turned into a Gothic chapel. During the French revolution the basilica was ruined, and then it was rebuilt from the very beginning. The admission there is free, but for visiting the Museum of the Holy Blood you'll have to pay. As the legend says, in 1150 a part of linen with blood of Jesus was brought from Jerusalem. The duke that brought it ordered to build the Basilius Chapel, where the relic was to be kept. We can't say that it's all the truth; it's more likely that Duke Baldwin IX brought it from the crusade to Constantinople in 1203.

The blood of Jesus is kept in the amusingly beautiful casket of 1817. Jan Crabbe, the master who created the casket, used about 30 kg of gold and silver and more than a hundred of jewels. On Ascension Day there is a solemn ceremony of carrying the casket through Bruges. From the museum one can learn the detailed history of the relic and basilica, one can also look at the silver crown of the 15th century, which was presented by Maria of Burgundy, and some other interesting paintings.

Grote Market. The central square of the city is located in the very heart of Bruges. At the square you'll find a lot of marvelous historical buildings, among which is the Belfort of the 12th century. The tower of this building is 83 meters high and it deflects for a meter to the left. At Grote Market you'll find plenty of various cafes and restaurants. From there carriage excursions start, it's a very popular sort of entertainment in Bruges.

Halve Maan. Halve Maan is a brewery, where the only Bruges sort of beer Brugse Zot is produced. Long time ago there was also produced another sort of beer - Straffe Hendrik, but nowadays it's over. Since very 1564 this brewery is located in the same building at Walplein Square, in the historical center of Bruges. Nowadays of great popularity are the excursions around the brewery, the culmination of which is of course beer degustation.

The City Hall. This fabulous City Hall was built under the direction of Jan Rugirs. It was finished in 1421. The fronts are beautifully decorated with small towers. Especially interesting wall-paintings are. The City Hall is situated at de Burg Square.

Read more about Brugge:
Restaurants and cuisine in Brugge
Local traditions and lifestyle
'Must visit' places in Brugge
Nightlife and attractions in Brugge
Preparing for Brugge: Advices
Brugge photogallery