Bruges, Belgium

Bruges, Belgium—September 23, 2011

The second stop on our cruise was ZeeBrugge, Belgium, the port for Bruges.  Between the 7^th and 8^th century a settlement was established on the banks of the Zwinn.  A port of international standing in the 13^th century, Bruges fell into economic decline two centuries later when the river silted, and it was no longer a port.

Later, it became a city of great splendor, a city without rival as a center for the arts.  The architecture of Bruges,  styles spanning nine centuries often found in a single square, makes an essential contribution to the artistic patrimony of Europe. 

Wandering through squares, narrow cobble streets, parks, and along canals, you can see so much in a four hour walk and a thirty-minute canal boat ride.  Here are some of those sights:

                                                           Love Lake   

According to legend, since 1448 swans have been shown special favors here. Rebel citizens of Bruges holding Maximilian, Archduke of Austria prisoner, condemned his servant to death.  The Archduke consented to meet rebel demands, but in reprisal for the death of his servant, condemned the citizens of Bruges to take care of the swans until the end of time.  White swans belong to the city and are marked on the beak with a capital B and the date of birth.

 Bruges has elegant horses that pull the sightseeing carriages at a fast clip around the narrow streets. They know the way by heart and will not stop for man or beast.  They are considered more dangerous to pedestrians than the bicycles and cars.

Sometimes a dog can be seen riding along-side the driver.  This cute pooch peeked at me while his horse had stopped for a rest and a drink.

Here’s a scene called, The “Rozenhoedkaai”, which  attracts painters and photographers.  

The “Brug” was built as a fortress.  The famous Bell Tower, THE landmark of Bruges, can be seen rising behind it.

 On this square are the law courts built in classical style, the former Records Office/then police station, built in Flemish Renaissance style.  The Gothic town hall built in 1376 became the model for other town halls.

The Chapel of Blood completes this square.

Going through a gate a short distance away is the Main Square (Grand-Place).  A number of buildings with corbie-stepped gables flank the square.  These were originally guildhalls. 

Two magnificent houses face this square, as well as one house known as the “cat house” because of this stone cat on the roof which marks the spot.

You can see so many architectural delights as you go through the town by boat where you pass under a number of low bridges.

While riding on one of these boats, I even saw a doggie in a window watching the tourists go by.

Too bad I didn't see him soon enough to get a full view of his face.

I had some time  to window shop to look at famous Belgian Chocolate which was tempting me at every turn.

Lace is still made here.  The most sought after Bruges lace is created with the “sorciere” stitch which requires from 300 to 700 bobbins.  Like those wooden shoes, lace is mostly machine-made these days, although a few still know how to do it.

After walking over 5 miles, I was ready for lunch.  I found this wonderful little restaurant on the narrowest street in the city.  It was called, Maliesherbes, and seated only 16 people.  I later learned that this little restaurant is featured in a series of novels written by someone named Aspe.  That’s all I got, no first name, nor any titles, but I will find out more about this when I get home.

I had a delicious salad, a tasty tureen of fish soup with cheese, and a glass of wine.  This photo maybe doesn’t look appetizing, but believe me it was the best meal I have had on this trip. 

On our walk back to the bus through a park, I saw these girls enjoying a picnic and the early fall weather.

This day trip ranks up there as one of the best I have ever experienced.