Bruges, city information
| Bruges (Brugge) |
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Bruges is a fascinating city. Its monuments, museums and particularly the unspoilt historical city centre with its canals attract millions of visitors every year. The port of Zeebrugge and the cultural/historic patrimony of Bruges give the city a European and international dimension. Bruges is called the "Venice of the North". In the Middle Ages, Bruges became the most important trade centre of north-west Europe. Already at that time, Flanders was one of the most urbanized areas in Europe. In the fourteenth century Bruges had expanded to become a rich international port. The Burgundian period in Bruges started in 1384. Art and culture flourished as never before. Around 1600 Bruges was a provincial city with a modest maritime reputation. Since the end of the nineteenth century Bruges became also known throughout Europe as a city of art and a tourist centre.
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| Restaurants | |
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| Download the Restaurant Guide (PDF- new window) |
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| Ezelpoort | |
| Recently restored 14th-century city gate. Little remains of the original construction that was rebuilt several times. |
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| Burghers' Lodge | |
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15th-century building, former meeting place of well-to-do Bruges citizens (poorters) and foreign merchants.
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| Kruispoort | |
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Old fortified city-gate (1402), unlike the other remaining gates built in white sand lime bricks. Was part of the city's 13th/14th-century defensive girdle. Rebuilt on several occasions (last restoration in 1969-72).
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| Old Country House of the "Brugse Vrije" | |
| The original Country House was built in two eras (1520-25/1722-27). From the 18th century till the eighties, it was the seat of the Court of Justice. Since 1988, it houses the City Administration Centre. |
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| Site "Oud Sint-Jan" Hospital & Memling Museum | |
| In the hospital's church (13th-14th century) and the adjoining Cornelius Chapel six authentic masterpieces by the world famous Flemish painter Hans Memling are on display. In the former hospital wards you can also see a collection of paintings, furniture and other items related to the hospital's rich history. The 17th-century Old Dispensary is also worth a visit. The beautifully restored 19th-century hospital buildings are used today by the Oud Sint-Jan Foundation, for exhibitions and conventions. |
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| Princely Beguinage of the Vineyard | |
| The "Princely Beguinage of the Vineyard" was founded in 1245. Sisters of the religious St. Benedict Order have taken the place of the former beguines. The Beguine's House provides a good picture of the day-to-day life of the former inhabitants. |
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| Provincial Court | |
| The Provincial Court is located on the Market square of Bruges and used to house the Provincial Council of West-Flanders. This Neo-gothic building nowadays has a more ceremonial function and is the top-location in Bruges for dinners, meetings and expositions. |
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Take part in the wedding feast of Charles the Bold and Margeret of York. Fools, troubadours, knights, dancers, a falconer, fire-eaters, witches, … cheer up the merry 4-course dinner, sprinkled with beer and wine to your heart's content. Visit the celebrations website
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