Brugge, Authentic Medieval Atmosphere

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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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Photos

We're in town!
At the Brugge train station.

Brugge Belfry
Also known as Halles Tower at Dusk.

Brugge Government Palace
In Market Square.

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 Belfry
Another view.

We're having Mussels in Brussels
Ok, ok, we're not exactly in Brussels; we're having mussels in Brugge - close enough!

Hotel Patritius
Great place to stay when in Brugge.

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 Patritius
The Queen in her Suite.

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 back
The village of Damme is only 7 miles away; let's go!

Bike trail to the village of Damme
Leaving Brugge city limits.

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 Damme
You quessed it; at the Restaurant de Maerlant.

Back in Brugge
Holly makes music.

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

Old Recorders House
Typical of the Flemish Renaissance, the facade with its pillars and extravagant ornamentation was built in 1537.

Church of Our Lady
Built during the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, the brick tower (1440) is 122 metres high.

Brugge Residential Area
Along the canal at dusk.

Brugge
Venice of the North.

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 Everywhere
Yummy, I like the ones on the right.

Comments

[h2]

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

[Tim A.]

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.

[Cool Travelers]

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!!

[Mike]

Fantastic
These pictures are wonderful