Bruges is a beautifully preserved 14-15th century Flemish town with canals, gabled houses on narrow cobble-streets, and charming people who love their town. Do this town on foot because THE TOWN IS A.MUSEUM! Spend one day, or a life time here. Bruges is 1 hour, by frequent trains, from Brussels. This will be one of the cleanest places you’ll ever visit.
MARKET SQUARE: The heart of Old Bruges …dating from the 13th century. Guild houses and Town Hall surround the square.
NOTRE DAME CHURCH: Beautiful interior/exterior… but go to see the out-standing sculpture by MICHELANGELO – the only one outside Italy and France. The sculpture is located in a chapel to the right of the main altar.
BURG SQUARE: Surrounded by buildings, which represent four different countries. It’s an excellent place to watch people … or to take one of the popular carriage rides. Note the clever way the drivers keep the horses from soiling the streets. The building to see on this square is the CHAPEL OF HOLY BLOOD, where the altar holding the religious relic of the Blood of Christ is very impressive.
GROENINGE MUSEUM: Daily 9:30-6. Closed Tuesday. Dutch Masterpieces … Van Eyck, Memling, Bosch, Bosch, Brueghel, and the French Impressionists. Located in an ancient building, but the interior has been completely renovated and is currently one of the most impressively “hung” museums in Europe.
JOHN’S HOSPITAL: The hospital contains some ancient equipment and tools used by early doctors. The MEMLIIIG MUSEUM is located within the hospital and there are two galleries with outstanding Memling’s. The hours are Daily, except Wednesday 9-12:30, 1-6.
THE BEGIJNHOF: The most picturesque part of town … dating from 1245 … near the port.
CANAL BOAT TRIP: From various parts of town. It’s a treat to see this beautiful town from another angle. Bring lots of film.
WALKING: There is nothing that can’t be reached easily ON FOOT in this beautiful town. If you drive, park your car in one of several underground lots and WALK IT! Be warned: There are frequent short showers in the summer. Take your umbrella. When the sun comes out, the people will come out and wash their windows and everything will sparkle.