Saturday, February 20, 2010

Bruges - the Venice of the North

"Somewhere within the dingy casing lay the ancient city, like a notorious jewel, too stared at, talked of, and trafficked over..."

wrote of Bruges Graham Greene in book “Stamboul Train”

I have to agree with him. I never saw so beautiful city like Bruges or Brugge (the original Dutch name).

 
Bruges is one of most perfectly preserved medieval cities in Europe. The largest and the capital city of the West Flanders is packed daily with tourists from all over the world, due to its impressive historical center. This has been declared a World Heritage site of UNESCO in 2000 and since then it is one of the top attractions in Belgium.

 

The lively Market Square is always busy with tourists. People watching is fun and the Market Square is the place to do it. It is also the place to dine.


 

But this is the place everyone should slow down and just sit in one of the cafes and admire the gabled medieval buildings.

 

Belfry Tower with 366 steps to the top is one of the symbols of Bruges and can be seen from almost everywhere in the historic center of this historic city. It is magnificent 47-bell carillon peals out over the city every 15 minutes.

 

Shopping in Bruges is a delight but for that one special remembrance to take home it has to be something made of lace.

 

On this short move you may watch the artisans make lace items. It will be good evident why the handmade lace is more expensive and of higher quality than the machine-made lace.



If you would like to see more you may watch the family film In Bruges

 

or watch remaining MY PHOTOS.