SIGHTS OF BRUGES

Brugge is incontrovertibly one of the most attractive cities in Europe. The canals and alleyways, the churches, almshouses and patricians' houses, the decoratively restored gables and the museums full of art treasures bring the past palpably to life. Furthermore, Brugge is a living, modern and romantic city which has something to offer the most demanding visitor. As a walker, you will derive twice the enjoyment of the open-air museum that is Brugge in all its historic splendour. If you are deterred by the thought of a long walk, you can always be driven around by one of the famous coachmen, or take a unique boat journey on the "Reien", as the canals of the city of Brugge are known.

The real city centre of Brugge is formed by the impressive Market Place and the adjacent Castle. The fine facades give the atmospheric square an improbable air of class. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Provincial Court was built on the east side. The south side is occupied by the 13th century Hall, the historic commercial centre. The most impressive building is the Belfort bell-tower with its carillon. The tower offers a splendid view over the city and the environment. In the middle of the square stands the statue of the heroes of the Golden Spurs Jan Breydel and Pieter De Koninck.

Via Breydelstraat you walk to the Castle or Burg. There you will find the Old Court of Justice, the Civil Registry, the City Hall and the Basilica of the Sacred Blood. This is where the relic of the Sacred Blood is kept. In the adjacent museum, you can admire the Shrine of the Sacred Blood. During the famous procession, the relic is carried around in this jewel of the goldsmith's craft. The Procession of the Sacred Blood takes place every year on Ascension Day at 3 p.m.

While we may describe Brugge in its entirety as a museum, the city still has a wealth of museums to boast about. The Groeningemuseum offers a remarkable picture of painting in the Southern Low Countries and Belgium from the 15th century to the present day. The Gruuthusemuseum opposite houses a treasure of old utensils and art works. Until 25 years ago, Sint-Janshospitaal was still used as a hospital, but now houses the Memling museum, including six masterpieces by Hans Memling.To the north of the city centre lies the Saint Anna district with the Lace Centre, the Jerusalem Church and the Museum of the Saint Sebastian guild. Here you can watch the famous lace-makers hard at work

A visit to Brugge is not complete without having seen the idyllic Beguine Convent and the romantic Minnewater. In the Beguine convent, there are no longer any Beguines, but Benedictines in 15th century costume still maintain the historic atmosphere. The legendary swans swim on the Minnewater. The people of Brugge look after these noble creatures in fulfilment of the punishment imposed on them by the Maximilian of Austria, after they had beheaded his councillor Pieter Lanchals.