Bruges the Magnificent

Bruges (Brugge) was founded in the 9th century by Vikings who settled here at the end of the river 'Reie'. The name Bruges is probably derived from the old Scandinavian word 'Bryggia', which means 'harbor, or mooring place'. Because of the proximity of the North Sea, the settlement very quickly became an important international harbor. A sea- arm, called the Zwin, connected Bruges with the North Sea.

The young settlement acquired city rights as early as the 12th century. At that time a first protective wall was built around Bruges. Soon, however, the Zwin started to silt up and Antwerp then became the main port for Europe. This would have caused major problems for the city, were it not that Bruges adapted itself to this situation by creating outports in Damme and in Sluis. Moreover, transport of goods over land became more and more usual. In the 14th century Bruges became the point of origin of a commercial transport road to the Rhineland (via Brussels and Leuven, cities in Brabant which earlier had started to flourish).

It has not lost all of its importance as a port, however. At the turn of the century the Bruges-Zeebrugge canal was opened and thus, Bruges regained much of its medieval prosperity. Canals also link it to Ostende, Ghent and to Sluys in Holland, via Damme.

The ineffable beauty of Bruges lies in all the original (some restored) medieval buildings lining the small waterways which thread through the city. A "must-see" is the Beguinage which is a group of houses around a little garden covered with large poplar trees. It was here that during the last seven centuries lived the beguines of Bruges. One can come here and see the making of lace, which is one of Bruges' specialties.

The central part of the city is surrounded by a wide moat and access is through several medieval "gates".

The Center of Bruges

When one first visits Bruges,one is filled with excitement at the sight of a city where time seems to have stopped. Bruges is a well preserved medieval city, interlaced with canals (it is rightfully called the Venice of the North) and dotted with castles, churches, patrician homes, all dating back to the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.

On the city square stands the "Halle" topped by the magnificent "Belfry",built in the 1200s. The belfry is enormous yet delicate, its summit a crown in celebration of Bruges' liberties. As one wanders down the narrow, cobblestoned streets one can actually "feel" the past...

Onze Lieve Vrouw Church

The gothic "Church of Our Lady" was built during the 12th century and is famous for the 360foot spire (highest in Belgium), and also for the fact that it houses the only Michelangelo sculpture outside of Italy, the "Madonna and Child".

An enormous oak pulpit and canopy grace the nave of the church. Weighing several tons, it seems to be supported on the feet of two flanking angels.

In the choir lie, side by side, two massive mausoleums, with beautifully sculpted bronze effigies. One is the resting place of Mary of Burgundy, the other of her father, Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. Mary's son's heart is buried with her. Mary's own heart, however, is in her mothers' tomb in the cathedral of Antwerp.

Click here for a map of Bruges.