The most attractive city in Flanders is Brugge, where past and present blend together in harmony. An idyllic boat trip on the canals will give you an unusual view of this open-air museum crammed with historic art treasures.We really think this Venice of the North set on the banks of the Zwin River is a must-see. During the 12th and 13th centuries Bruges (pronounced broozh) was a center of trade and textile manufacturing as well as the largest city in Belgium. When the Zwin silted up in the late 1400s the merchants and traders abandoned the city for Antwerp. Economic decline allowed the city to remain unchanged for centuries which is why it is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe.
The city is known for its beautiful walks, scenic canals, ancient squares and some of the best lace in Belgium (at the lace center local women volunteer their time to demonstrate the ancient practice of making lace by hand). The town’s 13th-century Grote Markt (Market Square) has a belfry that’s 272 ft/83 m tall and a 47-bell carillon that’s world famous. It’s a strenuous climb to the top but the belfry provides a great view of the city. Carillon concerts are held on Sundays. Burg Square has several attractions: the 12th-century Holy Blood Basilica (which houses the Relic of the Holy Blood and other artifacts from the Crusades displayed daily); the 14th-century town hall (beautiful statues and bas-reliefs) where wedding couples in all their finery gather on Fridays for civil ceremonies; and the 18th-century 245-room Palace of Justice. Farther down the canal is the Church of Our Lady which houses Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child. If you want to visit a medieval house with all its furnishings drop in on the Gruuthuse Museum.
Other city sights include the 13th-century Beguinage the medieval guild houses and the 12th-century Medieval Hospital of St. John (now called the Memling Museum it contains the works of Hans Memling and others). If you’re interested in Flemish art don’t miss the Groeninge Museum which has works by Memling Van Eyck Hieronymous Bosch Roger Van der Weyden and other Flemish painters. If all the art and history gets to be overwhelming one of the many outdoor cafes serving Belgian beers on the t’Zand Plaza can provide respite and plenty of people-watching opportunities. Be sure to take one of the leisurely boat rides on Bruges’ canals. In May the town hosts the annual Procession of Holy Blood a solemn feast during which costumed bands reenact stories from the Bible.
Day trips can be made to Kortrijk 40 mi/65 km south a town known for its linens (it also has a nice town hall and belfry) and Zeebrugge a nearby seaside resort with a fishing harbor and scenic promenade. (You can also catch a ferry for England from Zeebrugge.) On a sunny day a bike ride along the Damme canal to the nearby medieval village of Damme about 2 mi/5 km north of Bruges is well worth the time. 55 mi/90 km northwest of Brussels.
