Bruges: World's History
Who has not yet heard of this imposant town at 20km from the sea. Bruges has a name which is will be remembered forever, certainly not for someone who has been to this city and wandered around in the medieval alleys. This city is all about the world's history. The entire inner city was declared Word Heritage by the Unesco. Bruges became a major player on the European market due to its connection with the sea.
During medieval times Bruges was basis for many concepts of the modern world. Including modern banking and modern trade. Historic facts most people don't know. The canals through Bruges were once the blood of the beating heart of the world's leading tradepower of the northern countries. Bruges is a city which you should visit at least once if possible. The charm and romance found in this European city will easily carry you away.
Of course in such a city it is difficult to know what to visit first so here are a few important places:
- The basilic of the holy blood: They have a relic containing Jezus Christ's Blood. It is on display every day and absolute worth visiting. The basilic of the holy blood itself is a very old roman church unique in Flanders.
- The famous belfry watching over Bruges which you should be climbed all the way to the top. At clear weather the towers of Ghent maybe even Antwerp and a major part of the coast can be seen from up there.
- A little less well known in Bruges are the diamond museum, the chocolate museum and the lamp musuem (Lumina Domestica). But they are certainly worth a visit and explain a lot of Belgium history.
- The kathedral of our Lady with the famous work of the Italian carpenter/painter Michelangelo (Madonna with child) and the graves of Maria of Burgundy and her husband or on display
Bruges has a rich amoutn of hotels and restaurants to offer. The overwhelming choice makes it rather difficult to decide on your hotel in Bruges aswell as on your place for dinner during the evening.