Sightseeing OverviewThe main sights of Bruges are concentrated within a fairly small area, making the city easy to explore. Highlights include the 83m (272ft) 15th-century
Belfry in the central Markt Square, and the spectacular architecture of the adjacent Burg Square.
Burg Square includes the magnificent
Basilica of the Holy Blood, which dates from the 12th century and is the focal point of the annual
Procession of the Holy Blood taking place in the city every May.
Bruges offers 14 municipal
museums and galleries covering a wide range
of subjects, and it is very rewarding to wander around the
canals and back streets immediately surrounding the city center. There are additionally numerous privately operated attractions, offering plenty of alternatives for a rainy day.
Lace-making is historically one of Bruges’ most important industries, and this is reflected in a number of visitor venues including the
Lace Center in Peperstraat.
Tourist InformationIn & Uit Brugge Concertgebouw, ‘t Zand 34
Tel: (050) 444 646.
Website:
www.brugge.be Opening hours: Daily 1000-1800 (Thursdays 1000-2000).
PassesA range of visitor passes is available, giving combined admission to museums, bicycle hire and other amenities.
Key Attractions:Belfry Museum An absolute ‘must’ for visitors to Bruges - a climb to the top of the 83m- (272ft-) high tower past the clock mechanism and a carillon of 47 bells, which also offers stunning views over the city and surrounding countryside. The tower was built between the 13th and 15th centuries.
Markt 7
Tel: (050) 448 743.
City Hall The City Hall dates from 1376. Its gothic council chamber on the building’s first floor is open to the public, and features spectacular ceilings decorated with medieval carvings. An adjoining chamber houses displays of documents and works of art.
Burg 12
Tel: (050) 448 743.
Lace Center Dedicated to Bruges’ best-known industry, this museum is housed in restored 15th-century almshouses, and offers lace-making demonstrations most afternoons - the adjacent Jerusalem Church is also worth a visit, with its fine stained glass.
Peperstraat 3
Tel: (050) 330 072.
Website:
www.kantcentrum.com Basilica of the Holy Blood Featuring two chapels - the ground floor St Basil’s Chapel dating from the 1100s and the ‘upstairs’ one housing the Relic of the Holy Blood. Includes a museum, whose centerpiece is the bejewelled gold and silver Shrine of the Holy Blood.
Burg 15
Tel: (050) 336 792.
Website:
www.holyblood.com Groeninge Museum Flemish, Belgian and Dutch art over the centuries is the theme of this gallery, whose collections include works by such luminaries as Jan van Eyck, Hieronymous Bosch and Marcel Broodthaers, as well as Renaissance, baroque and modern works.
Dijver 12
Tel: (050) 448 743.
Further Distractions:De Halve Maan Brewery Belgium, of course, is renowned for its beer, and this family brewery (the name means ‘Half Moon’) has been producing traditionally made local delights since 1856. Multilingual guided tours are offered daily, including, naturally, a sample of the product.
Walplein 26
Tel: (050) 332 697.
Website:
www.halvemaan.be Choco Story Dedicated to that other great Belgian tradition, this attraction traces the story of chocolate from the times of the Maya and Aztecs to modern manufacturing processes. A visit includes chocolate-making demonstrations and a shop in which to indulge the tastebuds.
Wijnzakstraat 2
Tel: (050) 612 237.
Website:
www.choco-story.be
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