In the rapidly changing world of the 13th century some people became more attracted to a purer and more mystical form of religion due to the growing materialistic aspirations of the clergy. The female followers of this movement were called “Beguines”, lived in separate parts of the cities, making vows of obedience and chastity. These vows could be broken at any time if a Beguine wanted to leave the community.

The Beguinage is one of those typical areas in Bruges where one can find more peace and quiet than in the mostly busy and overcrowded streets of the town center.. The Beguinage 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.

The Beguinage of Bruges was founded in 1245 by the Countess of Flanders, Margaretha, daughter of Count Baldwin who conquered Constantinople (now Istanbul) during the crusades In 1299, Philip the Beautiful of France, placed the Beguinage under his own rule, thereby withdrawing it from the influence of the town magistrate.

In 1937 the Beguinage became a monastery for the Benedictine sisters who still live there now.

The Fish Market complex was built in 1821, and there fresh seafood from the nearby North Sea, is for sale every day from 6 a.m. to 1p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. There, any kind of sealife can be found. The market is lined with restaurants and cafes serving among other things, of course, fresh seafood...

"Het Stadhuis" - One of the oldest gothic city halls (1376-1420) of the Low Countries and also one of the finest. The façade shows three graceful turrets and the niches around them are occupied by statues of the counts and countesses of Flanders.On the first floor is the prestigious Gothic Hall, with an impressive wooden and polychromed vault ceiling and historic wall-paintings. In the Historic Room a collection of items, documents and paintings relating to Bruges' history are on display.