"Brugge: What a Delight!" Brugge by von.otter

“Bruges is as striking in external character, and almost as interesting historically; but it is dull and deserted, the ghost of its former self. There are about a fourth of its population paupers.”
— from a January 8th, 1858 letter written by Samuel Clarke, Rector of Eaton Bishop, Herefordshire, England to his wife

Brugge takes its name from a Norse word, ‘Bryggja’ that means “mooring place.” This town, with its modern-day population of over 100,000, is the capital of Flanders, one of Belgium’s three regions. The town covers approximately 138 km, 53 square miles. Brugge became a commercial trading center in the early Middle Ages. Wool, grain, and wine were among the commodities traded. Trade with Mediterranean countries began when a fleet of ships arrived from Genoa. The uptick of international trade brought an increase in money to Brugge and soon the town became extremely wealthy and a major banking center.

Disputes between prosperous tradesmen and Brugge’s working classes led to the decline of the town. In addition, the waterway leading from the sea to Brugge began to silt over and the town was replaced as a major seaport by Antwerp, a more accessible city. The Burgundian period in Brugge started in 1384. Art and culture flourished during this time. Philip the Good, duke of Burgundy (1396-1467) set up his court in Brugge. Philip’s son, Charles the Bold (1433–1477), duke of Burgundy is entombed in the Welcome Church of Our Lady along with Charles daughter, Mary, duchess of Burgundy (1457-1482).

By 1600 Brugge was a provincial city with only a modest maritime reputation. Since the end of the 19th century, Brugge became a watch word throughout Europe for art and as a tourist center. Today, Brugge is no longer a maritime player; rather it has become a provincial city with a wealth of culture and history. Its monuments, museums and particularly the unspoiled historical city centre with its canals make Brugge a charming city. Some say the town is too touristy; I never felt cramped or overwhelmed.

Brugge, often called the Venice of the North, is actually much further inland, than its southern sister. After repeated dredging, the River Reie was turned into a network of canals. These waterways gave me the feeling of a return visit to Amsterdam.

Spire, Welcome Church of Our Lady, May 2011

The Welcome Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, in Flemish) can claim the tallest brick spire in Belgium; and the second tallest in the world (the tallest is that of St. Martin’s Church in Landshut, Germany). At 122 meters, 400 feet, it is the tallest sight on the Brugge skyline!

Madonna & Child by Michelangelo, Brugge, May 2011

A major draw to Brugge is Michelangelo’s fine white marble sculpture, Madonna and Child in the Welcome Church of Our Lady. This is the only completed work by Michelangelo outside Italy!

• Pros:It has charm to spare.
• Cons:Nothing that I could say.
• In a nutshell:Art, history, charm rolled into Brugge.