Bruges, a medieval fairy tale in Belgium

There are cities that seem to have stopped in time, as if an invisible hand had protected them from the passage of centuries. Bruges is one of them.

With its cobbled streets , winding canals , pointed rooftops , and Gothic towers reflected in the water, this Belgian gem seems straight out of a fairy tale . It's no wonder many call it "the Venice of the North," though the truth is, Bruges possesses such a unique identity that it can only be compared to itself.

Located in northwest Belgium , just an hour from Brussels , Bruges ( Brugge in Dutch) is the capital of West Flanders and one of the country's most visited destinations . Its history dates back to the Middle Ages , when it flourished as a major European trading center thanks to its access to the sea and its network of canals , which still crisscross the city like life-giving veins .

For centuries, the city was synonymous with wealth , art , and culture , until its port silted up and Bruges fell into a long period of stagnation that, paradoxically, allowed it to preserve its medieval architecture intact. This stagnation was its blessing : while other cities changed their facades and modernized their historic centers, Bruges remained true to itself.

The Venice of the North, but very Flemish

Although often compared to Venice for its canals , Bruges has a deeply rooted Flemish character. Here, Dutch is spoken, food is made with butter and craft beer , and life is lived with a blend of northern restraint and artistic refinement .

In Bruges , life unfolds in a perfect balance between tradition and modernity . Religious and cultural festivities continue to play a central role, such as the Holy Blood procession , which every May transforms the city into a living medieval scene with period costumes and floats .

Furthermore, the arts remain part of Bruges' soul , with Flemish primitive painting and new expressions of contemporary art residing in its museums .

When it comes to flavors , Bruges doesn't disappoint, with a cuisine that includes mussels with fries , Flemish stews cooked in beer , sugary waffles , and, of course, the incomparable Belgian chocolate . And what do they drink? Beer , and they drink it with the same reverence as in a cathedral , with master brewers revered as artists .

Your tour of Bruges should start at Rozenhoedkaai

Begin your tour at one of the city's most magical spots: the Rozenhoedkaai canal. This canalside corner seems tailor-made for postcards . From here, the view is unparalleled: boats gliding slowly across the water, medieval rooftops silhouetted against the sky, and the majestic silhouette of the Belfry , Bruges ' bell tower .

Navigating the canals of Bruges is like opening an antique book and watching the illustrations come to life. From the water, the city reveals its best-kept secrets : hidden courtyards , ivy-covered facades , centuries-old bridges , and reflections that resemble Impressionist paintings .

In the heart of the old town stands the Church of Our Lady , whose brick tower reaches 115 meters , one of the tallest in the world. Inside lies a Renaissance treasure : the Madonna of Bruges , a white marble sculpture by Michelangelo . It is the only work by the master to have left Italy during his lifetime, and its serene expression seems to hold centuries of devotion and beauty .

At the Belfry Tower , climb the more than 360 steps and you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view of red-tiled rooftops , church towers , and canals stretching to the horizon. This 83-meter-high bell tower has been the heart of the city since the 13th century . Each peal of its 47 bells still marks the rhythm of daily life , just as it did centuries ago.

The medieval heart still beats in Grote Markt

The Grote Markt , or Main Square , is the beating heart of Bruges , where locals and travelers mingle, horse-drawn carriages and bicycles coexist, market flavors abound , and buildings with stepped gables stand side by side. On one side is the imposing Provincial Court , and on the other, the Belfry dominates the square like a stone sentinel .

Just a short walk away, Burg Square is another of Bruges ' historical epicenters . There you'll find the Basilica of the Holy Blood , a Gothic and Romanesque- style church that houses a venerated relic : a vial containing what is believed to be the blood of Christ . Right next door, the Stadhuis , or City Hall , is a jewel of civic Gothic architecture with a Gothic interior hall .

For art lovers, the Groeninge Museum is a must-see , a window into the artistic splendor that flourished in Flanders between the 15th and 16th centuries . Its collection includes works by the Flemish Primitives such as Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling , whose detailed and realistic technique continues to amaze even today.

South of the city, Minnewater , or " Lake of Love ," is Bruges ' most romantic spot. Surrounded by swans , ancient trees , and picturesque bridges , this place seems designed for strolling hand in hand , making eternal promises , and sighing for no reason . Legend has it that if you cross its bridge with your loved one, your love will last forever .

Bruges tastes like chocolate… and beer

Bruges is also a paradise for those with a sweet tooth . The Choco-Story Museum not only tells the story of chocolate , but also allows you to taste its finest varieties .

At the Brouwerij De Halve Maan brewery , which has been operating since 1856 , you can learn about the brewing process of the famous Brugse Zot beer and enjoy a tasting on their terrace overlooking the canal . And what about fries ? The Frietmuseum will show you why this seemingly simple snack is, in Belgium , a national phenomenon .

For those seeking an authentic souvenir , the Cloth Hall in Ypres , near Bruges, offers everything from handcrafted lace to artisanal chocolates , as well as souvenirs in every color imaginable. This covered market is an experience in itself , where every object seems to carry a story and every vendor a warm, flamenco smile .

Bruges is a city to explore at a leisurely pace , looking up and down , discovering Gothic details around every corner, and listening to the echo of horses' hooves on the cobblestone streets . Be part of this medieval tale !

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