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Published: October 7th 2015
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I was really excited about visiting Bruges having seen many photos of this medieval fairytale looking place, as well as hearing great reviews from family and friends. I can honestly say that my excitement for visiting this place did not end up with disappointment and would say that Bruges is right up there in my all-time top 5 favourites cities.
Before visiting Bruges, I did not know too much about it, except that it was surrounded by meandering canals and lined with medieval buildings. I discovered that Bruges was the hub of trade in the 13th century with other European countries and learnt that the city became the world's first tourist destination in the late 19th century.
Upon entering the 13th century markt, I found the
Historium Brugge. This attraction is very popular with tourists as it takes you back in time to medieval Bruges that was back in the 15th century. The attraction lasts for one hour and you experience different decors, film, music, special effects and realistic smells all into one. The story line is set around master painter Van Eyck’s studio and the creation of his famous painting known as Madonna of Canon van der Paele. Also,
for an additional small fee, you can do beer tasting at the end of the tour and enjoy the panoramic views of the markt. You get to choose 3 beers out of 7 different types. I found myself really getting into Belgium beer and wanting to try as many different types.
The atmosphere of the markt was incredible, the restaurants are packed with people talking in languages all over the world whilst they enjoy their food and beverages. People queue waiting for the horse and carriage to show them around this medieval place, and then there is the Belfort; a 13th century medieval bell tower that offers stunning views of the city, although unfortunately for me it started to rain.
I loved walking down picturesque cobbled lanes in Bruges, maybe there were too many tourists for my liking, but on the other hand the tourists created this buzzing atmosphere. There are many churches and monuments to see whilst walking around the town. The church of our Lady should not be missed! You also have the stunning view of the Rozenhoedkaai; this always seems to be the famous picture of Bruges. You can find many companies selling boat trips
that offer impressive tours of Bruges by the canal.
When it comes to museums, you really are spoilt in Bruges. I found myself spending hours looking in museums that were scattered all around the place. I visited the beer museum, Groeninge museum, the chocolate museum and the diamond museum. And there were still many more that I did not visit!
If you're into your fine-arts, then Groeninge museum is definitely worth a visit. I found myself looking at fabulous collections of early Flemish and Dutch masters from the 13th century to the present. Jan Van Eyck’s paint work is displayed there and includes the famous painting I mentioned before called Madonna of Canon van der Paele.
Before arriving at Bruges, I did some research on top places/attractions to visit and learnt of a Belgium chocolate shop called the
Chocolate Line. The chocolates are very expensive, but if you buy a small box, the chocolates work out cheaper individually. The Chocolate Line have many different flavoured chocolates from Cannabis or Fried Onions to more normal flavours such as caramel. I think I tried most of them!
I thought one and half days would be enough to see Bruges,
but it wasn't.
I would definitely come back! maybe next time for the Christmas markets.
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D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley
Chocolate
Life is grand isn't it? Simple pleasures.