Bruges
Retaining the mysteries of the Middle Ages and unashamedly exuberant, Bruges has been an international metropolis for centuries.
Its history has made it great, a fact that garnered it the title of a Unesco World Heritage City.
Bruges
Places of interest
Basilica of the Holy Blood
The basilica is stunning in its simplicity, its masterly decorations and historic value.
It consists of two chapels of which the Gothic upper level is alive with color and detail.
Belfry
One side of Bruges' main square is dominated by the Halle with the belfry - Bruges' most distinctive landmark.
This 83-meter high building dates back from the 13th century.
It is also a proclaimed UNESCO World Heritage site.
Béguinage
Tiny white plastered houses surround a courtyard where yellow daffodils bloom in spring.
The Princely Béguinage Ten Wijngaerde is an architectural complex which formerly housed beguines, lay religious women who lived in community without taking vows or retiring from the world. There are no more Beguines living there.
Old St. John Site
Whoever enters the Old St. John Site will be amazed by the almost tangible presence of the rich history of Bruges.
This is the spot where one of the earliest infirmaries in medieval Europe once stood.
Lake of Love
Tucked away at the southern end of Bruges is the beautiful area known as "Minnewater". The centre piece is the "Lake of Love" and" Lovers bridge".
A very tranquil location within the confines of the city. A wonderful place to relax.
Museums
Groeningemuseum
Displaying a giant collection of Flemish primitives by world famous painters like Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling, this museum is Flanders’ pride.
Gruuthuusemuseum
The city palace of the lords of Gruuthuse is now an absolute highlight after a thorough restoration. The gables look magnificent. Renovated halls, a new museum concept, and special collection items are just waiting to be rediscovered.
Museum of the Church of Our Lady
Michelangelo’s world-famous Madonna and Child.
Rococo Lace
The city has always been famous for the handicraft of its lace makers.
Canal boat tour
One of the best ways to see Bruges is from the water.
As it is the Venice of the North, it would be almost impossible to visit Bruges without floating around the expansive network of canals.
Summer residences of the Bruges elite
This circuit takes you to the green zone south of Bruges via numerous summer castles and magnificent farmyards.
Damme
Cycling from Bruges to Damme is a fantastic way to see some of the classic Belgian countryside.
The mill welcomes visitors on the way into the town from Bruges. Damme is a lovely, laid back town.
Lissewege
It seems as if time has stood still in Lissewege.
With its lovely little canal, white-painted polder houses and expansive fields, it serves as a model for the way every Flemish village used to be: charming, nostalgic and romantic.
Two other famous art cities in Flanders.
Apart form Amsterdam, the city of Leiden has the largest number of city canals in the Netherlands.