Historical Places and Vacation Tips in Bruges
If you want to plan a fast trip to someplace that you can spend your time useful and full of culture, you should probably visit Bruges and see all the historical places over there. This city will definitely meet your needs. You can spend a whole weekend well with all the cultural events, museums, and the spirit of the renaissance.
History and Historical Places of Bruges
The history of Bruges, which is called Brugge in Dutch, goes back to the Bronze Age. This seaport was used as a bulwark to protect the city from the threats and the city, which was exposed to many attacks until medieval times, prevented the Viking attack. After that, Bruges had its major development in medieval times. The city still retains its medieval spirit and architecture. Therefore, many historical places can be seen even in daily life. Today, there are approximately 300.000 inhabitants in Bruges and millions of tourists visit it every year. The country has three official languages. These are Dutch, French and German. However, it is easy to communicate in English.
Bruges is located in the northwest of Belgium. This is called The Flemish Region of Belgium. It is easy to reach Bruges which is just about an hour and a half away from the capital Brussels. Urban transportation is easier than reaching the city. You can enjoy the city on foot. Considering that the streets of Bruges are an open museum, we can say that walking is the best choice for exploration.
Fast Trip with Water Canals
With the connection to the sea and the water canals in the city, Bruges has been a commercial city since the medieval. Therefore, Bruges is called “The Venice of the North.” Today these water canals have turned into tourist attractions and a beautiful background for your photos rather than commercial.
Transportation is easy in the center of Bruges, but you don’t have to use the cars to reach somewhere. There are many places to explore in the city, but you can do this by foot, bicycle or using the canals. These canals are very suitable for the fast trip in the city.
These canals are very attractive and useful for discovering the city. You can arrange a boat trip to go on an outing. It’s not expensive and it is a very effective way to see all the buildings that still preserve their historical textures.
Historical Places in Brugge
There are too many historical places in Brugge. This city is like an open museum. You may find wartime buildings or encounter a chapel with the blood of Jesus. Let’s see the most iconic places and get some information about them.
Grote Markt
If the canals are vessels of the city, then we may call the Grote Markt as The Heart of Bruges. Grote Markt (Market Square) is a square with many historical buildings and highlights around and also all fast trip opportunities start from this square. There are many buildings made in the Gothic style and bearing the stamps of the renaissance. You can also see the statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck in the center.
You can easily reach the museums or the other historical places from this square. This square is the main location to reach many parts of the city like the stations of water canals and the famous museums. You can even go shopping in an alley of this square or have your coffee in a coffee shop while on a fast trip.
One of the beauties of Bruges is “The Belfry of Bruges”. This ancient bell is located in the Grote Markt. Belfry, which has survived the dangers of fire and lightning strikes in history, is open to tourists today. A unique view of Bruges can be enjoyed from the top of this tower. But remember, you have to climb 366 stairs to reach the top.
Basilica of the Holy Blood
This Roman Catholic Basilica was built in the 12th century and consists of 2 parts as Romanesque lower chapel and Gothic upper chapel and this is one of the most famous historical places in Bruges. There are many historical artifacts in this chapel and works of ancient times. Although the chapel itself is a work of art, it has been protected and restored to this day. It is believed that some of the blood of Jesus Christ is contained and preserved in this basilica. That is why this place is important to Catholics. We can see the reflections of this importance at every point of the basilica.
The Basilica Museum is located in the famous Burg Square and is open to tourist visits. Entry to the basilica is free but you have to pay for the museum part. It is worth it for this fascinating experience.
Choco Story of Bruges
One of the famous elements of Bruges is the Choco Story (Chocolate Museum). Choco Story is located a little south of the center and is easy to go by bike or on foot. In this museum you can see many kinds of chocolate and watch how they are made. This is an experience that everyone should definitely try. And you can buy various kinds of chocolate to give as a present to your family or friends.
As you see, there are many reasons to visit Bruges, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Bruges, which has preserved its historical places and textures and from the ancient times to present and has many natural beauties, is very convenient for a fast trip. Bruges is a perfect choice for both a quiet adventure and a historical journey.