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Sightseeing in Brugge - what to see. Complete travel guide

beginenhof 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.
Die Swaene is located on a pebble pavement near a picturesque canal. The hotel is surrounded by historic buildings that only add to the heritage of the area. The main hall of Die Swaene has … Open
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. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Spectacular De Orangerie Hotel is located in a unique historic mansion, the history of which starts yet in the 15th century. Initially, a monastery stood on the site of the mansion, in 1873 … Open
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.
bridge 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.
Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce Hotel had been a popular hotel before the famous movie “In Bruges” came out. Nowadays, one needs to book rooms in advance to be able to stay there. The wood … Open
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.
idyll 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.
Let yourself be charmed by the most romantic hotel in Europe. Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce is elegantly decorated with valuable antiquities, exclusive artworks, premium furniture and … Open
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.
Brugge - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

City tours, excursions and tickets in Brugge and surroundings

Reference information
Map of all shopping areas
Shopping streets in Brugge
♥   Shopping area ' Steenstraat' Brugge, 0.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Brugge
♥   Castle 'Tillegem Castle' , 4.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Male Castle' , 4.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Loppem Castle' , 6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Oostkerke Castle' , 8.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Wijnendale Castle' , 18.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all parks
National and city parks around Brugge
♥   National Park 'Oosterschelde' , 64 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   National Park 'Grenspark de Zoom - Kalmthoutse Heide' , 84.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Regional Nature Park 'Scarpe-Escaut' , 88.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Regional Nature Park 'Avesnois' , 126.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Brugge and around
♥   Art museum 'Groeningemuseum' Bruges, 0.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Old St John’s Hospital' Bruges, 0.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo

Sights around Brugge from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'

Oudenaarde Town Hall

From the series “Gothic Architecture – Magnificent Monuments”
There are no so many outstanding historical sites in Oudenaarde. Its old part is a single and unique architectural complex. The old town hall is the starting point for many sightseeing programs. A beautiful fountain runs in front of the town hall during the warmer months. It is also an important historical landmark. … Read further

Vogelenzangpark 17bis

From the series “Ubelievable Residential Houses Residing on Trees”
The monument is no less popular. Every day curious tourists come here to take interesting photos. The impressive sculpture and the adjoining old building are surrounded by an incredibly beautiful park, through which you can stroll at any time of the year. Here grow majestic, old trees, in the shadow of which comfortable recreation zones have been equipped with benches, as well as other no less remarkable sculptures. … Read further
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com Rentals in Brugge

Preferred to Open 9 New Hotels in 2022

In September 2022, the Sommerro hotel in Oslo will start operating in a carefully restored 1930s Art Deco building. This building is a true landmark of Frogner, a historic neighborhood of the Norwegian capital. A multi-million-dollar renovation carefully turned the largest preservation project in Norway into a modern hotel with 231 rooms, including 56 residences. Preferred will open five more hotels in 2022, namely, The Wall Street Hotel in New York, Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences on Singer Island (Florida, the US), TOA Hotel & Spa in Zanzibar, Pendry hotel in Washington, and Pendry Park City hotel in Utah. Read this

19.03.2024

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Sightseeing in regions nearby Brugge

All about Brugge, Belgium - sightseeings, attractions, touristic spots, architecture, history, culture and cuisine. Prepare your trip together with OrangeSmile.com - find out the 'must see' things in Brugge, which places to visit, which excursions to take, where the breathtaking views are waiting for you. Planning your trip with this travel guide will help your to get the most out of Brugge in few days.
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