Bruges, Belgium is a city known for its medieval architecture. The town has canals and cobbled streets that give it a European charm. The city also boasts a bustling port that is an important center for European trade.
Groeningemuseum
Located in the historical city center of Bruges, Belgium, the Groeningemuseum is one of the oldest and most prestigious art museums in the country. Its collection covers six centuries of Belgian visual arts. Among its most renowned works are masterpieces by Jan Van Eyck and Hans Memling.
The museum also features masterpieces by Flemish expressionists such as Roger Raveel and Raoul De Keyser. In addition, the museum also exhibits post-war modern art. Some of the works in the museum's permanent collection include a Diptych of the judgment of Cambyses by Gerard David. The Groeningemuseum is open daily from 9:30am to 5pm. During special events, hours may vary.
The Groeningemuseum offers a unique perspective on the history of visual arts in the Low Countries. Its collections of early Netherlandish painting are internationally renowned. The painting includes works by major and minor masters from Bruges in the 15th and 16th centuries.
The Groeningemuseum is also home to works by Jacob van Oost the Elder, a Bruges artist of the 17th century. The museum also possesses a unique ensemble of paintings by Paul Jozef De Cock. The Groeningemuseum's collection of early Netherlandish painting has been the foundation of many successful exhibitions in recent decades.
Several of the pieces in the museum's permanent collection have been described as milestones in European art history. Among the most popular are The Last Judgement by Hieronymus Bosch and Portrait of a Bruges Family by Jan Van Eyck.
Belfry of Bruges
Located in the medieval city of Bruges, Belgium, the Belfry of Bruges is one of the oldest examples of urban architecture in the city. A symbol of freedom, wealth and power, the Belfry is a must-see destination in the city.
The building's origins date back to the 13th century, when wooden halls were constructed in the area. Later, new elements were added to the tower during the 14-15th centuries.
When the tower was first built, the top was made of octagonal stone. A statue of Saint Michael stood on the spire. However, the top eventually burned down.
In the early 17th century, a lightning strike damaged some of the bells. The wooden spire was also burned down in 1741. The tower was rebuilt in the neo-Gothic style in 1822.
The Belfry of Bruges has a sweeping view of the city from its top. In addition, visitors can take a look at the carillon, which features 47 bells. The carillon is a device that plays a tune every 15 minutes.
You can purchase tickets for the Belfry of Bruges online or at De Lijn stores. There are a limited number of seats available each hour, so you should plan your visit ahead of time. You can also opt for a self-guided tour. If you are planning to bring children, you should know that they are not allowed to climb the tower.
The Belfry of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tower is 83 meters tall and has a narrow staircase of 366 steps.
Choco-Story museum
Bruges, Belgium is known for its chocolate production. But did you know there's a museum dedicated to the sweet stuff? The Choco-Story is a fun place to explore the history of chocolate, from the Mayan & Aztec cultures to Belgium's own.
Located in the 16th-century "Huis de Crone" building on Sint-Jansplein in the heart of Bruges, this museum celebrates the sweet treat. The 4,000 year-old history of chocolate is narrated in a fun and educational way.
The Choco-Story museum is divided into three sections. The first includes a large room filled with huge chocolate figurines. The room also boasts a replica of Margaret of York's crown. The chocolate-making process is also demonstrated, and visitors can sample Belgian chocolate sweets.
The museum also has a large collection of historic chocolate-making objects. The museum's audio-guide is a good start, but the real fun comes at the end, when visitors can experience a demonstration.
The Choco-Story is a family-run business. The van Lierde-Draps family has been making fine chocolate for generations. They are also dedicated to sustainability and have been involved in collecting and developing a variety of related objects. The museum was recently renovated, and offers several interesting exhibits.
The Choco-Story is located inside a 16th-century building originally used as a wine tavern. Later, it served as a furniture-making shop.
There are also two cafes with a good selection of chocolates. Besides the main attraction, the museum also features cultural activities and workshops. The museum also offers discounts for children, OAPs and students.
Market center
Bruges' Market center is one of the city's most famous sights. This historic square is filled with chalet-style stalls that sell a wide range of foods. There are also many gift shops and restaurants. In addition, there are several historic monuments surrounding the square.
The Bruges Market center is a pedestrianized square. It features a 12th-century belfry that can be climbed for stunning views of the city.
The city's renowned Christmas market is a unique event that is a popular draw for tourists and locals. This market includes several local food stalls and a large selection of beer and wine. There are also several gift and souvenir stores.
The Markt is also home to an interactive museum called the Historium Bruges. The museum offers an interactive experience of the medieval history of Bruges.
The market is also home to a neo-Gothic court building, which was constructed in 1850. This building replaced a water hall that was destroyed in 1787.
The market is surrounded by businesses and shops, including a chocolate shop. The market is also used for many events throughout the year.
The Bruges Market center is open daily from 10 am to 11 pm. Tickets start at EUR20. The area is popular with both tourists and locals, but can get crowded. It can be a little confusing at times.
Visitors can enjoy horse and carriage rides around the city's historic center. The square is also a great spot to catch a ride on a canal boat.
Jeruzalemkerk
Bruges is a quaint town with Gothic fairytale architecture, cobbled streets and canals aplenty. In the 15th century, Bruges was a hot bed of commerce. The town was a member of the Hanseatic League and had a sizable river port at Minnewater. The city has grown to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe. For a long time, the town was the base of operations for merchants from all over Europe.
The city had a large population in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was also a center of the medieval arts. The city has been referred to as the city of love, but this is a stretch. In the 16th century, Bruges was a hive of trade and industry, and was one of the richest cities in Europe. It also had the fanciest hospital in the country, if not the world. Aside from the usual suspects, the city was also a center of learning, with the famous Academy of Sciences headquartered there.
The city is home to several museums, including the famous Museum of Bruges and the opulent Bruges Palace, both of which are worth a visit in their own right. The city is a great place to stay, with many more expensive hotels located in the town center. The city is also a short hop away from the train station.
Atelier Twee
Atelier 10.8 is a Belgian interior design firm that specializes in apartment and office projects. They also have a store in Bruges that features leather goods made in-house and local artisans' creations. If you're planning a trip to Belgium, you'll want to stop by.
One of the best things to do in Bruges is to check out the city's canals. They are a popular destination for boat rides, and you can get a different perspective on the town from the water. Several bike rental outfits are also available. It's possible to rent one of the many bicycles for just a few euro.
A more expensive option would be to take a guided tour of the city. A local guide will show you the major sites and give you interesting facts about the town. You'll have to be patient though, since most tours last about 30 minutes. The best ones are run by trusted makelaars.
The Groeningemuseum is a must see for anyone interested in Flemish art. It's home to some of the city's finest works of art, from neoclassicism art to modern masterpieces. The building's main entrance is also home to an impressive collection of chandeliers, including the impressive, and aptly named, Beaux-Arts ode to the city's most famous citizen, Henry IV.
While you're at it, stop by the Brocante Cafe for some interesting vinyl records, or the Cherry Picker Cafe for a unique artisanal cocktail.
