"Brugge Belgium - The Venice of the North " a Brugge Travel Page by fossettes

We went to Brugge, Belgium for a weekend get-a-way on the recommendation of several VTers. Brugge is a beautiful city settled as early as the 7th century. However, it's glory days were in the 12th and 13th centuries when it was one of the most important ports in northern Europe. It is often called "The Venice of the North" because of it's beautiful architecture and lovely canals.

We arrived into town around lunch time and quickly found a nice cafe serving local classics such as mussels steamed in white wine and celery, baked chicken with french fries and a wonderful Belgian stew made with ale.

After lunch we strolled through the town toward the Grand Place, the main square of town that has been the hub of city life for centuries.

We had nice weather and we were able to enjoy a horse drawn carriage tour around town. This was a good way for us to get a feel for the city (and be charmed by it's beauty!) After the carriage ride we headed back to Grand Place for a pick-me-up in one of the cafes facing the square.

After checking into our hotel, The Hotel Academie, we had a rest and watched some Belgian cartoons (the Belgians love cartoons!) Because it's a small city with many narrow, one way streets, people tend to park their cars and walk. The lack of cars (and headlights) makes for quiet, dark evenings. As we ate dinner in a small bistrot on a quiet square, the only sounds we heard from outside were the horses pulling carriages over the cobbled streets and the rain as it fell. It was as if we were transported back in time.

On Sunday we visited the major sights of town. We started out with a boat ride through the canals, followed by a visit to St. John's Hospital! Not becasue we were sick, but because it is now a beautiful museum called the Memlingmuseum. The hospital is still in existance today and is one of the oldest in Europe. They have moved however, to more modern facilities, but the building that houses the museum dates from the 13th cantury. Then a visit to the city hall and the Basilican Church of the Holy Blood. Built in the 12th cenury, the Basilica houses a relic containing Christ's blood.

After lunch, we climbed the 366 stairs to the top of the Bell Tower. We stood beneath the 47 bells as the bell ringer played lovely tunes on the carillon. A word of caution to any planning on climbing to the top...Have the beer and pate sandwich AFTER you climb, not before as we did!

On the way out of town we made a stop for a box of chocolates and waffles (Oh-h-h-h, the waffles!) to eat in the car. What a great weekend!