Sightseeing
No other city destination offers such a great diversity of sites to visit, there is most definitely something for everyone. All are within modest walking distance of each other, so no real need for a car once you`re in the city centre.
If you`re after seeing some of the most fantastic art collections, Bruges is for you. However, if you`re worried about a cultural overdose, why not undertake a `responsible` tour and tasting at the local artisan beer brewery or sit back and enjoy the view from the water during a canal boat tour. Children too are sure to have a whale of a time, one thing that will certainly get their attention is the "Chocolate Story" and it`s live chocolate making sessions.
Below are some of the sites that are surely not to be missed when in Brugge.
City Brewery `De Halve Maan`
Being one of Western Europe`s oldest breweries still active today, `The Crescent Moon` dates all the way back to 1564.
It has been owned by the Maes family ever since it`s conception and their latest brew has already won the Gold Medal at the 2006 World Beer Cup. Guided tours allow visitors to view the modern brewery as well as the resident museum. More information on their website.
`De Brugse Reien` canal system
Forming an unmistakeable part of Brugge`s true character, the beautiful canals partly follow natural watercourses.
Some of the walls of these waterways were already part of the city`s defence works in the year 1128. Boat tours can be taken from several places in the centre and offer a great way to get a first and lasting impression of the city.
Michelangelo`s Madonna at `Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk`
The famous master`s sculpture is on permanent display at the sacrament chapel of Our Lady`s Church. The beautiful work was the first by it`s creator to leave his native Italy.
It was intended for the Sienna cathedral, however two merchants from Bruges brought it home with them in 1506. The church itself is equally impressive, it`s construction started during the late 13th century.
The Beguinage of Bruges
Having been founded in 1245 by the countess of Flanders, this group of houses has had a turbulent past.
This place was once home to the members of the Beguine movement, a mystical form of religion dating back to the 13th century. Today a Benedictine monastery, it`s sheer serenity and beauty is typified by tall poplar trees and yearly spring flowers.
`The Chocolate Story`
Bruges` very own chocolate museum, with live chocolate-making sessions and chock-a-block with the history of the cocoa bean. Who can resist?
A visit to Belgium just wouldn`t be right without finding out all there is to know about the famous Belgian `pralines` and the history of chocolate as we know it today. Find more details here.
Rolweg and it`s historic folklore
One of the most charming little streets of the city, the buildings alongside haven`t changed much for centuries.
Home to both the birth house of famous Flemish Poet Guido Gezelle (1830-1899), as well as the city`s Folklore Museum. The latter includes recreated historic settings such as a cobbler’s workshop, a living room, an apothecary’s premises and an inn. More information on their website.
