Brugge, Authentic Medieval Atmosphere

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Belgiums flagPublished: June 2nd 2005Europe » Belgium » West Flanders » Brugge
April 23rd 2005

We're in town!We're in town!
We're in town!

At the Brugge train station.
From the Brugge train station, we took a bus to our home base - The Hotel Patritius, our hosts Garret and Elvi Spaey were kind, friendly and full of information on the local history and sights.

We were given an upgraded suite (see photo's) due to an earlier cancellation; boy, we felt like royalty.

This splendid medieval city is one of Belgium's crown jewels. Also known as the "Venice of the North". No other European city has the feel and the look of medieval times as does Brugge, a city close to the North Sea.

It ranks, even today, among the important cities of Belgium. It is also the capital of the Belgian province of West-Flanders.

While in Brugge, we rented a tandem bicycle and we went to the nearby village of Damme; glad we did. The beauty of the countryside along the canal was breathtaking. Bicycling is also a good way to get around town.



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Al & Holly Rodriguez
Two incurable gadabouts, Al & Holly, World Travelers, live in the Northern California Gold Country not far from Lake Tahoe, USA. We speak English, Spanish, Italian (parlo certo italiano) and some French (Je parle du français). My wife Holly and I are into travel, art, history, culture, opera, fine dining, meeting new and interesting travelers, visiting exciting new places and enjoy Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Long after the memories of great architecture, art, history and beautiful landscapes are forgotten; it is the everlasting memories and friendship of the people we hav... full info
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Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830 and was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. It has prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions bet...more info

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Brugge BelfryBrugge Belfry
Brugge Belfry

Also known as Halles Tower at Dusk.
Brugge Government Palace Brugge Government Palace
Brugge Government Palace

In Market Square.
Basilica of the Holy BloodBasilica of the Holy Blood
Basilica of the Holy Blood

The relic of the Holy Blood is kept in an ornamented gold shrine. Count Thierry of Alsace brought back the Holy Blood from the second crusade, and it has remained in Brugge ever since.
Brugge BelfryBrugge Belfry
Brugge Belfry

Another view.
We're having Mussels in BrusselsWe're having Mussels in Brussels
We're having Mussels in Brussels

Ok, ok, we're not exactly in Brussels; we're having mussels in Brugge - close enough!
Hotel PatritiusHotel Patritius
Hotel Patritius

Great place to stay when in Brugge.
Hotel PatritiusHotel Patritius
Hotel Patritius

Our suite, clean, tidy, light, airy and spacious. There were two additional single beds in the room to the left; for guests, of course.
Hotel PatritiusHotel Patritius
Hotel Patritius

The Queen in her Suite.
Hotel PatritiusHotel Patritius
Hotel Patritius

The dining room decor was so, regal. This is where we had a delicious breakfast each morning, fit for a King; and Queen.
Brugge to Damme and backBrugge to Damme and back
Brugge to Damme and back

The village of Damme is only 7 miles away; let's go!
Bike trail to the village of DammeBike trail to the village of Damme
Bike trail to the village of Damme

Leaving Brugge city limits.
Damme Town HallDamme Town Hall
Damme Town Hall

Statue of Jacob van Maerlant, the greatest Flemish poet of the Middle Ages watches over the parking lot (he's just left of the main doorway, can you see him?).
Taking a break in DammeTaking a break in Damme
Taking a break in Damme

You quessed it; at the Restaurant de Maerlant.
Back in BruggeBack in Brugge
Back in Brugge

Holly makes music.
The Green QuayThe Green Quay
The Green Quay

The "Liberty" Palace (white building on left), the Liberty being the district around Brugge in the Middle Ages - the Landhuis van het Brugse Vrije (Palace of the Liberty of Brugge), later became a courthouse, and now houses the city councils administration.
Market Square MomumentMarket Square Momument
Market Square Momument

To the popular heroes Peter de Coninck and John Breydel - both leading men at the Battle of the Golden Spurs.
Old Recorders HouseOld Recorders House
Old Recorders House

Typical of the Flemish Renaissance, the facade with its pillars and extravagant ornamentation was built in 1537.
Church of Our LadyChurch of Our Lady
Church of Our Lady

Built during the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, the brick tower (1440) is 122 metres high.
Brugge Residential AreaBrugge Residential Area
Brugge Residential Area

Along the canal at dusk.
BruggeBrugge
Brugge

Venice of the North.
Beer at Market SquareBeer at Market Square
Beer at Market Square

Oh! we mustn't forget the Belgium beer. It was really good and with hundreds of local brands to choose from. If you insist on having a beer at the Market Square, be prepared to pay more than double the price from what can be purchased just a block or so down any back street.
Chocolates EverywhereChocolates Everywhere
Chocolates Everywhere

Yummy, I like the ones on the right.





Comments
Date: 7th January 2006

wow
i think where you have been looks amazing as i am doing something on medieval times

From Blog: Brugge, Authentic Medieval Atmosphere
Date: 6th June 2007

Excellent photo essay!
Thanks for the photographs, they are great! My wife and I are going to be in Bruge next week, and I look forward to see and photograph all its medieval beauty myself.

From Blog: Brugge, Authentic Medieval Atmosphere
Date: 6th June 2007

Excellent!
You'll have a great time in Brugge. To save money, don't buy beer in the main square; Ok, buy one and enjoy it. Beer is much cheaper away from the main square, along the back streets and alleyways and you'll discover many interesting people and places. Enjoy!!

From Blog: Brugge, Authentic Medieval Atmosphere
Date: 22nd August 2010

Fantastic
These pictures are wonderful

From Blog: Brugge, Authentic Medieval Atmosphere




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