The charming city of Brugge

First stop in the Flemish 4-day travelogue was Brugge. Historically, Brugge was a thriving center of commerce, trade, and art, as well as a political center of the Hanseatic League in the 14th through the mid 16th centuries. Although the Spanish conquered Brugge in 1528 and the town fell into poverty, the architecture, art, and overall beauty of the town was established for us to enjoy today.

The real draw to Brugge is the fact that this town is one of several canal cities in Belgium. It seemed there was a photo op around every corner. This town was beyond charming…quaint…picturesque.













The canals of Brugge; the Belfort in the far background.



The canals of Brugge, Belgium; the Church of our Lady, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, in the distance.



Holly in front of one of the few remaining windmills left in Brugge.



Minnewater, or the Lake of Love, Brugge.





Brugge markt, with guild houses in the background.



Brugge markt with the gothic post office and the provincial government house.



Brugge City marktplace. Monument to medieval heros, Jan Breydel and Pieter De Connick, who led the commoners to their short-lived victory over France.



Brugge Stadhuis.



Brugge Belfort.



As a sidenote, we had also travelled to Brugge to observe the famed “Holy Blood Procession”. “What is that all about you ask?” Sorry, you will have to wait until tomorrow for that one.