Bruges (Bruges)

Member Name: polydeuces

Product:	Bruges
Date:	09/08/08 (19 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: -

Disadvantages: -

Bruges is a delightful city in the North of Belgium in the part of the country known as Flanders. The first habitants called it Bruggia or Burg and it literally just means borough. However in the 13th century the Counts of Flandres built parts of the town and it became a centre for trade and the arts from the 13th century. It is that town that it is possible to see today.

I recently visited the city again. As regular readers of some of my reviews know I often travel with my job in Northern Europe and was visiting the Gent and Brussels areas again this past week. Like many Belgian towns and cities Bruges has a splendid Market Place surrounded by old impressive buildings. In the Bruges Market Place there is the Provincial Palace along one side and the Belfry at one end. Around three sides of the square now there are shops and bars and cafes and these are all very reasonably priced. I always try to get my usual portion of Moules and Frites (cost about 495BEF less than £8) and have never been disappointed. Of course as I was driving I had to be careful with the local beers but it was a warm day so I had to have one. In the centre of the Market Place there is a statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck who fought for independence from the French in 1302.
A pleasant part about Bruges is that it s all flat and level so you cn walk around the town to see without excessive exertion. From the Market Square I walked through to the Stadhuis (Town Hall) but unfortunately it is being renovated at the moment so the façade is not visible. Next door is the Basilica of the Holy Blood which is in an ornate casket in a small church shrine. The tourist information and some useful public toilets are also nearby here in case the beer has worked its way through.

Passing through an archway you find yourself in Blinde Ezelstraat (Blind Donkey Street) which leads toward the river. The street is also old and untouched. The river is very picturesque and also largely unchanged from 100s of years ago. You can also go for boat rides here around the town. They cost about 300BEF (about £5) and include a commentary from the boatman. At various points you will see beautiful views to capture on photographs or film. At weekend there are antique markets and lace makers along the river to add to the scene.
It can also be worth visiting the Gruuthise Museum if only to walk around the magnificent original rooms. There are inevitably a number of churches to visit including St Salvadors Cathedral which is worth going inside to see the huge high altar from the 17th century.

Above all though Bruges is an easy place to visit. Parking is plentiful and reasonable in the underground car parks costing about £4 for 5 hours and only minutes from the city centre. The ambience is good and friendly and the food and drink are to be recommended for price and quality. I am often surprised that some people have never considered Belgium for a short break. They are missing a lot.

Summary: -