Bruges - The Best Preserved Medieval City in Europe
One of my favourite places for a short break is the unique city of Bruges. Whether you take a cheap flight to Amsterdam or choose a ferry crossing from Ramsgate to Ostend, it's a great place to spend a few days. For me, Bruges has a special fascination as it is reputed to have been a favourite city of the Dukes of Burgundy, from which illustrious family I am supposedly descended Ð all be it from the wrong side of the blanket!
Bruges is a charming city with many faces. Its art and history has earned itself a favoured place in the hearts of many travellers and the medieval street pattern, meandering canals and green ramparts enthral millions of visitors every year.
Getting around Bruges is easy, whether you walk, take a bus tour or a boat trip along the picturesque canals which criss-cross the city. Definitely the most romantic mode of travel is the horse-drawn carriage, where the rhythmic clip-clop of the horses' hooves is a constant reminder that when Bruges was built, horses were the only form of transport.
As early as the 2nd century there was a Gallo-Roman settlement on the site of Bruges, but it was not until the Counts of Flanders built a stronghold in the current Burg Square that the city began to emerge. From the 11th century Bruges became an international commercial centre, thanks to its direct access to the sea at that time. The cloth produced in Bruges was of such a high quality that it was exported throughout Europe. By 1350 Bruges' population amounted to 45,000 Ð twice what it is today in the historical city centre. The second city ramparts date from that period and lead you to the four splendid windmills, which are landmarks in Bruges.
By the end of the 15th century, the Burgundian court left Bruges for good and Bruges' Golden Age was over. Moreover, the city lost its outlet to the sea through the silting up of the coastal area. In 1548 the Spaniards conquered Bruges and by the 19th century the city was in a state of decline. At the end of the 19th century, Georges Rodenbach's novel "Bruges La Morte" put Bruges back in the spotlight. In his book, he describes Bruges as a sleeping, dead, but mysterious city. Bruges' European renown as an art city and later as a tourist city impresses visitors from all over the world.
You can see most of the city by simply strolling around, stopping regularly to taste the wonderful Belgian beer, have a coffee and a cake at the many pavement cafes or simply sit on a seat by the canal munching the wicked dark Belgian chocolates, which are artistically displayed in the shops. The smart boutiques offer a wide range of designer clothes and there are some truly wonderful restaurants. Prices are roughly equivalent to the UK, but it pays to leave the popular tourist areas, such as the Main Square and search out the little bistros down the side streets.
Should you get lost, simply look for the Belfry Tower in the Main Square. All the streets lead back here. If you are fit, climb up the tower for a birds' eye view of the city. Below you is spread a stunning panorama of canals, squares, streets, churches and medieval buildings.
Bruges is a pretty place with a charm which enchants you from the moment you arrive. The city is peaceful, graceful and a refreshing change from the bustle of most other European cities. Time seems to have stood still as you wander around the quieter streets. Local artists display their paintings outside and down every side street you come across a new gem of architecture.
But it is the canals of Bruges, which give the city its unique character. Quieter than Venice, the waterways are bordered by lush greenery, overhung by ancient trees and flanked by the most wonderful medieval buildings glowing with the rich shades of weathered stone. As your boat glides peacefully under the many bridges, sharing the waterways with white swans and colourful ducks, you feel the stress of modern life seeping slowly away, leaving you relaxed and content. Bruges is a city to savour.
