Travel Guide to Brugge, Belgium

Bruges is located in the Belgium province of West-Flanders that is approximately 2 hours away 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 has become quite an important international trade centre. Later, in the Middle Ages, a big wall was built around Bruges.

Beguinage. This is one of the main places of interest in Bruges. It was founded in the 13th century, though the majority of white houses appeared only in the 17th and 18th centuries. The arch bridge, which forms the entrance to the palace, was built in 1570. Beguine sisterhood doesn't live there anymore, and this place now belongs to the Benedictines from De Wijngaard convent. The house under the first number serves as a museum, so everyone can get an idea of Beguine's way of life. The kitchen, the dining-room and bedrooms are furnished in the style of the 17th century. Initially, the main chapel was made of wood, but, unfortunately, it burnt down. In 1605 a new chapel in the baroque style was built on its site. Fortunately, it has remained undamaged till our times. Nowadays, everyone is welcome to visit the chapel. The chapel is famous for the oldest image of Our Lady in Bruges. The image was created in 1240. There is also an altar with the alabaster sculpture of Christ of the 17th century on the right.

Beguinage is situated near Minnewater Lake, which used to be a part of the canal that connected Bruges and Ghent. Nowadays it's just a small picturesque lake with beautiful swans swimming in it. There is an interesting legend in Bruges, which is connected with swans. When Maximilian of Austria raised the taxes again, Bruges citizens rebelled and captivated the city. They also beheaded the former town head, whose name was Pieter Lanchals (it means 'long neck'). When Maximilian got the power back, he made an order, according to which swans (because they also have long necks) are to be bred till the end of the world in Bruges. 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 it on the left one.

The chapel of the Holy Blood. The chapel of the Holy Blood was built on the site of Basilius Chapel of the 12th century. The beautiful church is a wonderful example of the Romanesque style. Visitors will see a colored wooden image of the Virgin with the baby (approximately 1300) on the right nave. Initially, 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. Entering the church is free, but you will have to pay in order to visit the Museum of the Holy Blood. As the legend says, in 1150 a part of linen with blood of Jesus was brought from Jerusalem. The duke that had brought it ordered to build Basilius Chapel, where the relic was to be kept. We can't say for sure whether it’s truth of not. Scientists have a theory that most likely the legend tells about Duke Baldwin IX, who brought it from the crusade to Constantinople in 1203.

The blood of Jesus is kept in an incredibly beautiful casket of 1817. Jan Crabbe, the master who created the casket, used approximately 30 kg of gold and silver, and more than a hundred of jewels. Every year on Ascension Day a solemn ceremony takes place in Bruges. The procession carries the casket through the streets of the city. The museum located nearby is a great place to learn the detailed history of the relic and the 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 marvellous historical buildings. The Belfort built in the 12th century is one of them. The tower of this building is 83 meter high and it deflects to the left for a meter. Grote Market is also home to various cafes and restaurants. By the way, carriage excursions also start there. This is a very popular kind of entertainment in Bruges.

Halve Maan. Halve Maan is a brewery, where the sort of beer called Brugse Zot (you can taste it in Bruges only) is produced. Long time ago the brewery also produced another sort of beer - Straffe Hendrik. However, nowadays this beer is not produced anymore. Since 1564 this brewery has been located in the same building at Walplein Square, in the historical center of Bruges. Nowadays, the excursions to the brewery have become very popular. Of course, beer degustation is the culmination of every excursion.

The City Hall. The fabulous City Hall was built by order of Jan Rugirs. It was finished in 1421. The front side of the building is beautifully decorated with small towers. Wall paintings are especially interesting. 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