Bruges Belgium



Bruges from the top of the Bell Tower



Bruges is a romantic city, the city center is charming and easily identified by the tall bell tower.  Surrounded by canals, the water and visitors meander around this "little village" seemingly from another era.  By train, it is about an hour from Brussels or Antwerp and only a half an hour from Ghent.  Belgium is known for Lace, Tapestries, Waffles, Chocolate, and Beer, but not necessarily in that order.

Notre Dame of Bruges - The tower is scaffolded but in the cover of darkness and with a few building silhouettes, one can mask the necessary upkeep and still get a lovely picture of this majestic Cathedral.  Location, Location, Location, and camera angle!

  At dusk, Notre Dame with its scaffolding reflected. 

Near the ocean, and the Netherlands, Windmills are not an uncommon sight in Bruges and other parts of Belgium.

Lace, I have a whole new appreciation for all things involving lace.  In the many lovely stores, there were a few displays to illustrate the time consuming and meticulous process of making handmade lace. 

Lace, close up!

In Notre Dame of Bruges, is one of the rare Michaelangelo sculptures outside of Italy.  This Madonna and Child is a gorgeous sculpture that illuminates the tender relationship between mother and child. 

Notre Dame Interior

Basilica of the Holy Blood

There were several interesting churches in Bruges, this gorgeous chapel in the corner is dedicated to the relic of the Holy Blood.  It is said Joseph of Arimathea wiped away some of Christ's blood at the crucifixion and it was preserved.  No photographs were permitted in the chapel but it was magnificent - Google it, its worth a look! 

This structure was next to the Basilica and it is now a museum, but  I ran out of time for a proper visit inside.

Jan Van Eyck, buried in Bruges, is memorialize with this statue in Bronze.  His art, as well as many of his contemporaries is typically on display at the Groeningemuseum in Bruges, but unfortunately I did not do my research for the visit early enough to see the show that was on display until January 30th.  Unfortunately I missed an incredible exhibition on Northern Renaissance artists And the museum was closed for reconfiguration!  I did however visit the Memling museum at the former Hospital in Bruges, which was great!  Several Memling masterpieces and a Bosch tryptich were on display.

Humourous Window

Natures "elk" sculpture?  Can you see the elk?

Men in Tights, playing horns

Chaotic Chocolate shop display

The city mascot of Bruges is the Bear!  No wonder I felt at home in Bruges, one of my favorite animals, in a charming place recalling medieval europe.

I am far behind my adventuring in the Blog updates, but I am trying to catch up!  Look for Ghent, Rouen, Amiens, Notre Dame Paris, and Milan in the near future!  Happy virtual traveling and feel free to be in touch if I can help you plan your next adventure!  : )