An
hour’s train ride from Brussels transports you back to the Middle Ages. As a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, Bruges (it rhymes with “rouge”) must maintain its historic
architecture in the Old Town with no modern changes. It’s known as the “Venice
of the North,” with an abundance of canals that flow slowly through the heart
of town, passing buildings with crenulated gables and fancy brickwork.
Bruges
was once one of Europe’s wealthiest cities and its cultural capital. In the 14th
century, its population rivaled that of London. Because of waterways that led to the North
Sea, ships were able to enter the city, allowing its textile trade to flourish.
Unfortunately in the 16th century, river silt clogged the harbor and
the town declined. But happily in the 1980s, travelers found another way into
Bruges, spurring a present-day financial boon.
The
imposing Gothic structures on Bruges’ Market Square (once a harbor for ships)
reflect the town’s earlier prosperity. Enter the elegant Town Hall to view the
lavish assembly hall. Close by is the Belfry and Cloth Hall where you may climb
366 spiral steps to its tower for a spectacular vista of the area. Or enjoy the
bells from below as a carillonist performs summer concerts on Monday and
Wednesday evenings. Located in a modest corner of the square is the Basilica of
the Holy Blood. The small church displays a relic of Christ’s blood that they
claim was delivered from the Second Crusade in 1150. A nearby church holds
another religious treasure.
Michelangelo’s
precious Madonna and Child is displayed in the Church of Our Lady. It’s the
first and only sculpture by Michelangelo to leave Italy during his lifetime. But if you want to see the art of Bruges’
hometown son, Hans Membling, get yourself over to the medieval St. John’s
Hospital, located across from the Church of Our Lady. Six of his paintings hang
in a building that once tended the sick and dying. But when art and history
become overwhelming, it’s beer to the rescue. Let the servers at Den Dyver
Restaurant soothe you as they pair each dish of a multi-course meal with a
specialty beer.
Live
like royalty for a few days in the posh Kempinski Hotel. Located not far from
the main square, the former Duke’s palace reopened in 2008 as a five-star
hotel. Built in 1429 for the wedding of Phillip the Good and Isabella of
Portugal, the castle has been brought up to date with luxurious modern
amenities. But if your budget can’t absorb the hefty room rate, treat yourself
to a gourmet meal in their elegant dining room instead.
It’s
no secret that Bruges combines the best of the Old World with the realities of
today.
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