Ever since I started living in Belgium, apart from the high praises that were given to Antwerp and Brussels, there were two other towns that gained a lot of raves from tourists and travelers alike: Bruges and Ghent. (Things to Do in Bruges)
I have already been to Ghent a long time ago but it was only just last month that I was able to go to Bruges; a seemingly favorite choice of Belgians when it comes to charming little old towns.
» READ: Ghent Self-Guided Walking Tour
I actually first witnessed Bruge’s postcard-perfect beauty when my friend introduced me to the highly-rated 2008 movie: “In Bruges [click]“ — a dark comedy that tells the story of two Irish hitmen.
Naturally, given the awesome coverage that was given to Bruges by this movie, I have been wishing for the chance to visit this town! And finally, I was able to set foot in Bruges, and you bet that it has exceeded my expectations!
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Bruges Travel Guide
Bruges or Brugge (which means ‘bridges’ in Old Dutch) is the capital and largest city in the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium. Though the totality of the city is large, the main area of Bruges would have to be the historic city center which is very small… and yet, even if it’s only 430 hectares in size, it is truly an outstanding example of a medieval historic settlement!
In fact, due to its magnificence, it has gained a prominent spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 2000, and as best illustrated by the map below, you will see how the historic city is oval-shaped and surrounded by stone walls. These structures were built for security at first but had later on been improved as Bruges blossomed as a city of international trade.
FACT: At 7km long, it is interlaced with canals, surrounded by reinforcements, and 7 gates (but only 4 remain standing today with the best preserved one at Langestraat, the Kruispoort).
Photos by Emmanuel PARENT / CC
Given all this information, you now have a fair idea of how small this city can really be. But don’t let its size fool you because Bruges can make you feel like you are walking AND living in a fairy tale town that’s straight out of a storybook! With its cobbled lanes, dreamy canals, medieval architecture, and historic churches among many others, you’re bound to have a magical time here.
Unfortunately, a lot of people are slowly learning about this treasured fact, so there are times that there is a…
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