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One of the best preserved mediaeval
towns in Europe, Bruges is located in the north-east of Belgium. It is
known as the Venice
of the north, for the canals that cross through it and form the waters of the
Zwin. Declared a World Heritage by UNESCO in 2000, it has 150 protected
monuments in its historic town centre.
Bruges is the ideal destination for lovers of art and
beauty. Decorate art and architecture display their freest and most creative
forms, ranging from the Gothic to Art Nouveau. The most representative and
well-known building in this Flemish town is the Church of Our Lady,
a 13th century, Gothic-style edifice. Inside, we can admire a masterpiece
by one of the most famous artists in the world, The Virgin with Child by
Michelangelo.
Bruges, since the 15th century, continues to be an excellent craft
centre for textiles, art in general and silverware in particular. A town that
was under Spanish domination in the 17th century and which later
lost its economic might when it ceased to be a port, it is nowadays a town that
preserves its old-world charm and has been revived through culture and tourism.
More than 50
canals cut through the town. However, the best way of making a tour of these
canals is by barge, enjoying the best views of the romantic bridges, reaching
places that cannot always be accessed on foot. One can begin the trip at any
one of the five quays located at different points on the canals, the most
central being the Belfry Square,
which surprises the traveller by its mediaeval character.
Gastronomy and Leisure
The confectionery shops in Bruges
are world-famous. Here, chocolates, pralines and excellent pastries are
hand-crafted. There are still, today, excellent brasseries that manufacture
their own beer and the town is full of bars, cafes and restaurants.
At the Choco Store museum, located in St. Jansplein, one can discover
the history of chocolate and how it is processed, including guided tours. In
its shops, one can find the most exquisite and varied assortments. Another good
option is the Fish Market that is set up every morning (except Sundays and
Mondays) in the Vismarkt Square.
Bruges is considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in Belgium. For
moving around the town through its mediaeval alleyways, one option is to take a
horse-drawn carriage or ride a bike. For the lovers of nature and sports,
cycling is one of the means of transport most used to make one’s way through
the town and find all its romantic spots.
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