Archive for the ‘Bruges’ Category

Bruges

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

With its compact size Bruges is often referred to as the Venice of the North. This city in the northwest of Belgium has a historic medieval city that is placed on the World Heritage List of UNECO. Bruges is located in the Dutch speaking part of Belgium, Flanders. It has a total population of around 118 thousand people.

Bruges is a romantic city that shouldn’t be missed on any tour around Europe. The center of the city has remained its medieval architecture and appearance, although some parts have been renovated over and over again. There are small canals, bridges, market squares and old city houses that resemble a world long since gone. There is nothing preventing you jut walking around the city, enjoying the sights and perhaps get a fine Belgium beer near the Great Market square.

There are lots of medieval sights to visit in Bruges as well as other places. Famous buildings in this city include the brick stone Church of Our Lady, with the sculpture Madonna and Child, the 13th-century Belfry of Bruges, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Saint Salvatore’s Cathedral, The City Hall, the Provincial Court and many preserved old city gates. The city has a wealth of museums, including the Groeninge Museum with paintings of Dutch and Belgium masters, 11 historical museum named as the Bruges Museum and the Mernling Museum.

Travelers to Bruges need a valid passport and visa. American citizens will be issued a 90-day holiday visa on arrival. The weather in Bruges can be cold and damp. The best period to visit the city is in the summer in July and August, when temperatures are around 70 Fahrenheit.