Bruges is a beautiful medieval city in Belgium. Bruges was one of the first cities I visited in Europe. We were in Bruges during February, which was still cold and wet. However, the beauty and tranquil setting of the city centre compensate for it.
Bruges is often referred as “The Venice of the North”. The canals connects the street and with medieval style building lined alongside. Bruges’s city centre was nominated as a World Heritage Site in 2000 for their preservation of historical and medieval architecture building.
Most of the historical medieval buildings surround the city centre. The cobbled street linked the individual building, hence making it the perfect place to explore Bruges. The famous buildings in Bruges include the Church of Our Lady, the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the City Hall in the city square. The Church of Our Lady has a brick spire that is very prominent in the city. Inside the church is a sculpture of Madonna and Child, which is believed to be one of Michelangelo’s sculptures. The light shine through the multi colour stained glass give a divine impression to the place.
Bruges is well known for chocolates and there are many chocolate confectioneries to feast your eyes and your palette. The quaint shops are decorated with different shape and sizes of chocolates. There are also many varieties of chocolates such as milk chocolates, truffles, dark chocolates and white chocolates. Usually, you will be able to sample the chocolates before deciding which to buy.When you buy chocolates from the shop, you will be presented with a colourful chocolate box.
The city square bustled with people and activities. Many festivities are held in the city square such as concerts, market days and religious celebration. Surrounding the square are restaurants and cafe with alfresco dining facilities. Sitting and sipping Belgium hot chocolate with music humming in the background is the perfect holiday experience. As Belgium is famous for their beers, you will be able to enjoy a variety of Belgium beers in the bars and restaurants too.
It is easy to get around the city centre by foot, however, you can also enjoy a boat ride in the canal that runs between the medieval buildings. It is relaxing and truly romantic.
As traffic is discouraged in the city centre, the best way to get to Bruges is by bus or rail. If you are coming from London, you can board the Eurostar from St. Pancras Station and the high speed train will bring you straight into Belgium. Thereafter you can easily take a connecting train to Bruges. The main railway station is only a 20 min walk to the square and the bus network links the centre to surrounding Bruges. The bus link would also bring you into Holland especially to Sluis which is a Dutch town along the border of Belgium.
Bruges is truly a medieval city with well preserved architectural building and medieval street setting, it has lived up to its status as a World Heritage Site.
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