"Our hometown" a Brugge Travel Page by halans

When walking through the narrow, cobbled streets of Bruges , you cannot fail to sense it's cultural history whispering to you from every angle. Bruges is steeped in history!

It's generally believed that the first settlement was founded around 2000 years ago, along the border of the then natural flowing stream 'De Reie', near 'De Dijver'. According to Celtic etymology, 'Dijver' means 'holy water', so apparently this was a sacred site. The name 'Brugge' on the other hand, is believed to be derived from the old Norwegian word 'bryggja', meaning 'landing site'. After the Celtic and Gallo-Roman beginings (1st-4th century), a few dark and mysterious centuries past before Bruges was noted again, somewhere in the 8th century, as being an important military, administrative and commercial centre, having close trade links with Scandinavia. Several precious coins dating between 864 and 875 and other interesting artefacts from 'Bruggia's past, can be discovered in the Archaeological Museum in the Mariastraat. Bruges is blessed with many impressive, historic buildings, and has been lucky enough to retain it?s charming, maze-like, medieval street plan. Thanks to the Counts of Flanders choosing it as their favourite fortified residence, and it?s ideal location fringing the North Sea, Bruges gradually became an important political, religious and economic hub, attracting entrepreneurs from all over Europe: Italy, Germany, England, Spain, Denmark... etc.

This economic growth also created the perfect environment for many renowned artists, and their fruits of labour can still be admired today: in architecture (de Burg, Basilica of the Holy Blood), in paintings (Groeninge Museum, Memling Museum) and several religious sites (Cathedral of Saint Saviour, Church of Our Lady).

Heavy storms and shifting sands of the now remaining nature reserve 'Het Zwin', gradually reshaped the Flemish coastline, leaving Bruges literally stranded, obsolete.

Centuries passed. The industrial revolution totally whooshed past Bruges , without touching down to huff and a puff and blow the poor old town down.

Renowned for it's impressive cultural heritage, harmonious surroundings, delicious Belgian chocolates, sumptuous gourmet food, potent Belgian beers, intricate lace creations, sensual swans … all soothing for the soul.

3.5 million tourists a year can’t be wrong. Bruges is a truly beautiful place.