Bruges

placed in the category: Cities

Bruges, with a population of 120,000, is one of the most important cities of Belgium. It has an area of 430 square hectares, egg-shaped and a prominent UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is where Belgium's most modern and its second biggest port--Zeebrugee is located, one of the most important in Europe, too.

Called "Venice of the North" and rich in history, Bruges is a magnificent medieval city considered as one of the crown jewels of Belgium. There is no other city in Europe that gives you the look and feel of being medieval than Bruges, the capital of West-Flanders, a Flemish region in Belgium. It has been preserved to its utmost best by the city authorities-keeping its artistic and architectural treasures of the past.. Though keeping its medieval-looking image, Bruges has its 19th century neo-gothic style that some critics have named it as a 'fake" medieval city. Still, anyone who sets foot in Bruges finds this combination of old, not too old and new a fascinating and unforgettable experience.

A day trip to Bruges may not be enough to see and have a fill of its beauty and grandeur, and it has always been recommended to stay overnight in any of the cities' cozy hotels. Walking along the tiny medieval streets of Bruges is an enchanting experience, especially whether it is summertime or wintertime.
Experience the charm and peace of a lovely night of old times in Bruges when tourists have gone or retired for the evening.

Among its notable medieval structures are the Church of Our Lady considered as one of the world's tallest brick towers with its brick spire at 122 meters; the Madonna and Child sculpture that many believe to be the only sculpture that Michelangelo's left in Italy; the 13th-century belfry that houses a municipal carillon of 48 bells where a full-time carillonneur regularly gives free concerts; the Basilica of the Holy Blood that holds what is believed to be a relic of the Holy Blood that is paraded annually where more than1,600 people dressed as crusaders or medieval knights participate in a mile-long religious procession; the Saint Salvator's Cathedral; the preserved old city gateways of Ezelpoort, Gentpoort, Kruispoort, and Smedenpoort.