Article from BTNews 22 OCTOBER 2012
ON TOUR: Brugge
You may have heard of Zeebrugge. It is the main North Sea port of Belgium, a way by ferry into Germany and continental Europe from the UK. It is not very inspiring. In fact the name means “Brugge on Sea”.
The real secret of Zeebrugge is Brugge, 10 very flat miles inland and an inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2002 with two fine auditoriums, one very modern, the other the remarkably restored Royal City Theatre circa 1865 and based on, it is said, the Paris Opera. Some damage was incurred during the two World Wars, but as a whole the historic town survived well.
Brugge is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It vies with Amsterdam, which is much larger, as "The Venice of the North". It is a very small and pretty self-contained medieval city interlaced with canals.
If you are using the ferry make it a must one way on your journey. If on a cruise, and Zeebrugge is a popular port of call, sign up for the day trip. Coach tours from the UK take it in, and if on a touring holiday of the Low Countries make sure Brugge is on your itinerary. Take Eurostar to Brussels and change on to the local train. Brugge Station is a short walk from the centre. Allow for at least two nights if you can.
The Middle Ages were the golden times for Brugge. The harbour was easily accessible from the sea and the merchants prospered. Woollen weaving was a major industry and it was also the home of financiers (the world’s first Bourse was created in the city) and artists. The first book in English ever printed was published in Brugge by William Caxton. Kings sought refuge in the city. Edward IV and Richard III of England spent time in exile here. At one point it was considered the "chief commercial city" of the world.
Brugge's most famous landmark is its 13th century belfry, housing a municipal carillon comprising 48 bells. The city still employs a full-time carillonneur, who gives free concerts on a regular basis.
Many of its medieval buildings are notable, including the Church of Our Lady, whose brick spire reaches up 400ft making it one of the world's highest brick towers/buildings. The sculpture of Madonna and Child, which can be seen in the transept, is believed to be Michelangelo's only sculpture to have left Italy within his lifetime.
Other famous buildings in Brugge include Saint Salvator's Cathedral and the City Hall which overlooks the fine main square. Brand new is the Historium Brugge an all-encompassing tourist attraction where sets, film, music and special effects merge into what is a magical experience. There are seven themed rooms.
Brugge also has a very fine collection of medieval and early modern art, including the world-famous collection of Flemish Primitives. Various masters, such as Hans Memling and Jan van Eyck, lived and worked in Brugge.
Brugge also has a béguinage, or nuns’ area, a small gated section of the city, a refuge for women who sought in their way to serve God without withdrawing from the material world. The gates are closed at dusk.
Dining is no problem in Brugge with a huge variety with prices very reasonable. We chose the Den Dyer restaurant for lunch, famous for its beers. With each of the three courses a different beer is matched to the food. Not surprisingly it has won Gold medals in "Beer & Gastronomy". www.dyver.be
Where to night-stop? There is a huge variety but our choice was the Hotel De Tuilerieen, a not very imposing from the outside 15th century noble’s house but internally simply magnificent in its original style (plus wi-fi). The small heated indoor swimming pool is another 21st century addition. Breakfast is until 11:00 and 12:00 at the weekend. Stylish and nostalgic yes, but very up to date too. The room rates start at around £100 per night, good value. The hotel was voted the best in Belgium for 2012. www.hoteltuilerieen.com
Another alternative is the Crowne Plaza, part of IHG, and somewhat unique with remains of the famous 17th century St Donaas church in the basement plus part of the city walls dating back 1,000 years. It is open to the public and forms part of a conference centre. The hotel is purpose built, sits in the city centre and has 97 rooms. There is also a indoor heated pool. www.crowneplaza.com
And finally there is the Brugge chocolate. Brugge is a city immersed in chocolate. Renowned for its rich heritage of chocolate, there seems to be chocolate everywhere you look. It’s an atmosphere of sheer indulgence and pure enjoyment. Make sure you take some home for your friends. www.brugge.be
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