Saturday, September 6th, 2008 We're sorry- there are no hotel specials for Bruges today. Please check Bruges hotels (on the left) for our great, everyday internet rates. Check back from time to time as we update frequently.
Bruges is the historic capital of the province of West Flanders, Flanders being one of the three regions of Belgium. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in Europe.
The historic city centre has been a prominent World Heritage Site of UNESCO since 2000. Tourists are treated to breathtaking monuments, informative and interesting museums, city tours in horse carriages, boat tours on the famous canals of Bruges and a web of little streets to wander about.
Bruges has most of its medieval architecture intact. There are many beautiful medieval buildings, including the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady), whose brick spire - at 122m - is Europe's highest brick tower/building. Bruges is also famous for its 13th-century Belfry housing a municipal Carillion comprising 47 bells. The city still employs a full-time bell ringer, who puts on regular free concerts. Other famous buildings in Bruges include the Beguinage, the Heilig Bloed Basiliek (the Basilica of the Holy Blood), the modern Concert Hall and the St-John Hospital.
Bruges 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 Bruges.
Other things to see in Bruges include: the Sint-Salvator Cathedral and the Groeningemuseum. Heilig Bloed Basiliek (the Basilica of the Holy Blood). The relic of the Holy Blood, which was brought to the city during the First Crusade, is paraded every year through the streets of the city. More than 1,500 inhabitants take part in this mile-long religious procession, many dressed as medieval knights or crusaders. Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady). The sculpture 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.
