Bruges is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in Europe. This is a museum city, as it houses ancient monuments. Many of the sights of Bruges are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the XIV-XVI centuries, Bruges was considered the business and cultural center of Europe. What to see in Bruges, you need to decide in advance, because you will not be able to visit all the sights of this Belgian city in one visit. An exchange for trading appeared here for the first time, oil painting appeared, the founder of this drawing technique was the artist Van Eyck. There are many ancient treasures and shrines in this city.
What to see in Bruges first of all
At your disposal is an overview of the sights, for the sake of which tens of thousands of tourists from all over the world come here every year. Some require guides in Bruges, while others prefer to explore the city on their own. Both options are good in their own way, but with a tour guide, the tourist does not have to think about organizational nuances.
1. Grote Markt, Market Square
Market Square in Bruges
The central location of the Market Square suggests that in the old days all the main events took place here and there was a brisk trade in goods, as well as administrative buildings. The initial information about the bidding dates back to the tenth century. At first, the shopping malls were wooden, then they were replaced with stone ones.
What to visit in Bruges from the central square? One of the oldest buildings on the square is the Bowkhout, located in the western part. It has preserved stained glass windows of the XV century and a weather vane made by craftsmen in 1682.
There were covered piers on the east side of the square. Then, after the fire, the structures were demolished, and in their place a group of buildings was erected, where the governor’s residence, the courthouse, the Post Office, and the Historium Museum are now located. In the center of the square there is a monument to the heroes of the liberation movement.
In 1995, after restoration work on the Central Square, it was forbidden to travel by car, it became pedestrian. Many souvenir shops and shops, small restaurants and cafes are located around the perimeter of the square. The market opens on Wednesdays.
Official website: https://www.visitbruges.be
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2. The Church of Our Lady
Church of Our Lady of Bruges
If you don’t know what to visit in Bruges, start your tour by visiting Notre Dame Cathedral (Church of Our Lady). It is a brick tower with a height of more than 120 meters with a square-shaped base and a 45-meter crown spire. The beginning of the construction of the church dates back to the XII century.
In this Bruges landmark, you can admire the great work of art – the statue of the Virgin and Child by Michelangelo. This is the only lifetime work of the artist that was exported outside Italy.
Among the relics of the church are sarcophagi with the ashes of Charles the Bold, during whose reign Bruges became a prosperous and wealthy city, and Mary, his daughter, who tragically died hunting.
3. Holy Blood Basilica
Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges
The Count of Alsace, who lived in the XII century, was the owner of a two-story chapel built in Bruges. For buildings built in those days, such architecture was considered commonplace. What to see in Bruges if you happen to be on a tour of the Basilica?
A spiral staircase leads to the second floor, where there is an observation deck with magnificent views of the square and the naves of the church itself. As a rule, this place was intended for the local nobility and aristocracy, and the first floor was for commoners. At first, the chapel was dedicated to the Greek Saint Basil, whose relics were brought from Jerusalem. Later, after the acquisition of the Holy Blood relic, it was renamed.
The lower chapel consists of 3 naves, on which the upper part of the chapel is built. The stone walls, vaults and pillars are made of limestone quarried in the Eiffel. After the restoration work, a statue “Jesus on a Cold Stone” and an exposition “Christ in the Tomb” were installed in the side chapels, which are carried during the procession of the “Holy Blood”. Scientists made interesting conclusions when they found statues of the XIX century mounted in the wall, representing a cross and two vessels. Presumably, this was done by the Masons during the restoration of the chapel. The chalices are a prototype of the Holy Grail, and the fact that the blood of Jesus is kept in the church also speaks in favor of this theory.
Official website: https://www.holyblood.com
4. Groening Museum
The Municipal Museum of Fine Arts in Bruges Jennifer Morrow
The date of foundation of the museum is considered to be May 9, 1929, and the opening of the exhibitions took place in June 1930. During the construction, the measures necessary for the display and storage of museum exhibits, including an air conditioning and lighting system, were thought out and implemented.
The light is directed so as not to create glare when viewing paintings. The collections of paintings are constantly replenished. What to see in Bruges at the Groening Museum? With the money of the city authorities, the diptych “Annunciation” was bought, and during the auction, the “Portrait of Paul de Nigro” by the Dutch artist of the XVI century Isenbrant was purchased. Of artistic interest is the collection of ancient manuscripts, paintings and faience products donated by Baron Houtgar. In 1955, the exposition was replenished with works from the Gruthuse Museum, one of them is very famous – it is a “Family Portrait” by Nicholas Mas, a pupil of Rembrandt.
Official website: https://www.visitbruges.be
5. St. Salvator’s Cathedral
Panorama of the city with the Cathedral of St. Salvator in Bruges
Many of the sights of Bruges are closely related to religious themes. For example, the Cathedral of St. Salvator, located in the central part of the city. Over the centuries, the church building was rebuilt and changed its appearance, and in 1834 it received the status of a Cathedral. In the 19th century, the roof collapsed during a fire, stained glass windows were destroyed, and bells were damaged. Architect Chantrell from England was appointed curator of the restoration work. According to his drawings, the tower was rebuilt, the top of which was made in the shape of a crown. In 1871, a copper spire was installed, and new stained glass windows were obtained during the same period. The walls of the cathedral are decorated with tapestries woven in the 18th century in the manufactories of Brussels and paintings with scenes from the Bible. The landmark of the Cathedral is an ancient organ, created in 1717, and operating to this day.
Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Bruges!
6. The Bell Tower of Bruges
The Bell Tower of Bruges Dimitris Kamaras
Many tourists are wondering: what to visit in Bruges from the most famous? Belfort Bell Tower is one of the attractions worth visiting. It was built in 1240 and is 83 meters high. The tower was rebuilt more than once, and acquired its modern appearance in 1822, when the upper part was decorated in the Neo-Gothic style. In the lower part there are rooms of the city archive, and the top is used as an observation deck and a bell tower.
Every hour during the day, bells ring over the city, the melodies are non–repeating. The bells are powered by an ancient carillon drum. Tourists can watch how the birth of music takes place, because on one side the carillon is fenced off by a transparent showcase.
Official website: https://www.visitbruges.be
7. The Gate of the Holy Cross
Gate of the Holy Cross in Bruges NH53
Do you have any free time left and are you looking for something to see in Bruges? Visit the Gate of the Holy Cross, one of the oldest sights of the city. They were installed in the XIV century and were a structure for protection from unfriendly neighbors. Now it is a complex consisting of a massive arch and towers with flags.According to legend, if you go through the gate three times, then your innermost wish will come true. During the military operations, the soldiers, going out through the gate, read prayers, asking for blessings.
Official website: https://www.visitbruges.be
8. Loppem Castle
Loppem Castle is surrounded by a beautiful park
The first owners of the castle were Baron Carl van Kaloen and his wife Savina de Gourcy. They were religious people, and therefore the interior of their newly built castle was decorated in the spirit of Christianity. The ceilings in the Main Hall are amazing – almost 17 meters high, the fireplace is decorated with family coats of arms. An interesting feature: toilets were not provided in the building, they were completed later.
The spiral staircase leading to the second floor of the castle is complemented by carved railings. In the 20th century, the castle was the royal residence of Albert I, and during the First World War, the headquarters of the Belgian army was located here. Here you can see paintings by Van Dyck, as well as artists who were students of Rubens.
Many of the sights of Bruges have their own interesting history and many mysteries, including the Loppem Castle, which is surrounded by a beautiful park spread over an area of more than 100 hectares. It has shady alleys in harmony with small ponds with waterfowl. And fans of solving puzzles should definitely walk through the famous maze, which consists of long corridors.
Official website: https://www.kasteelvanloppem.be
9. The Chocolate Museum in Bruges
The Chocolate Museum in Bruges Mark Healey
Real Belgian chocolate has an unsurpassed and original taste. Many lovers of the delicacy make a choice in favor of the Belgian brand. Therefore, it is not surprising that Bruges has its own Chocolate Museum. When visiting the sights of Belgium, you must definitely see this museum! Like many attractions in Bruges, the museum has collected real works of art, but only from chocolate: from ordinary tiles to chocolate sculptures. The institution has a rich library fund, in which there are many books about the history of the delicacy product, as well as recipes for its manufacture.
Experienced pastry chefs will teach you how to cook this delicious delicacy. The museum has a bar where visitors are invited to taste various chocolate treats and cocktails of more than forty types.
Bruges is known for its annual Choco-Late chocolate festival, during which pastry chefs arrange culinary duels and surprise with real chocolate fountains.
Official website: https://choco-story-brugge.be
10. Gentpoort Gate
The gate of the Gentpoort in Bruges Charlie
In the Middle Ages, fortress walls with gates were built around Bruges, but only four gates have survived to this day. Ezelpoor, Smedenpoort, Gentpoort, Kruispoort – these are their names. Like all the sights of Bruges, the gate of the General Port is imbued with the spirit of the Middle Ages. Tourists have the opportunity to touch the walls of the brick tower, which are several hundred years old!
The Gentpoort gate was built in 1400-1406. and they performed a defensive function during military conflicts, and in peacetime they were the main entrance to the city and served as a checkpoint where imported and exported goods were checked and taxes were collected.
Now a museum has been opened in the tower of this gate, where you can look at the collection of weapons, various artifacts and ancient manuscripts telling about the beginning of the construction of towers and gates and other historical events of the last era.
Official website: https://www.visitbruges.be
Sights of Bruges: what else to visit while in Bruges
For those who have few basic architectural and natural monuments, we offer excursions to Bruges to not so famous, but no less wonderful places. Study the list to finally decide where to go after arriving in this small ancient town filled with legends and fairy tales.
11. Breweries Museum in Bruges
The Museum of Brewing in Bruges Neil Turner
If you think that you have already visited all the museums and attractions of Bruges – do not forget to go to the Brewing Museum.
The first mention of the brewery dates back to the 19th century. Leon Mays started brewing beer according to old recipes, it turned out to be dark in color with a sour taste. Throughout the history of its existence, the manufacturing technology has changed, fresh varieties have appeared. And in 1997, the owner of the brewery decided to open halls for visitors, where celebrations, interesting meetings and other events were held. At the same time, the Brewing Museum was opened. During the excursions, you can not only learn a lot of interesting things about the process of making a foam drink, but also take a direct part in it, and then taste a variety of beers stored in the cellars of the brewery.
Official website: https://mybeerexperience.com
12. Bruges Town Hall
The Town Hall in the city of Bruges
The foundation of the town hall is the foundation laid back in 1376 by Count Lodewijk van Male. Many of the sights of Bruges are built in the Gothic style, the town hall building belongs to the same architectural style. The facade is decorated with rich stucco and statues of characters from the Bible and sculptures of famous historical figures located in niches.
The interior is also striking in its splendor and luxury. The Gothic hall of the Town Hall is of great interest to tourists. The wooden arches of oak are decorated with sixteen slabs, on which figures representing the four seasons and the four elements are depicted in allegorical form. There are many ancient frescoes on the walls of the Hall, which belonged to the brush of the artist Albrecht de Vrindt.
The Renaissance Hall opens the famous fireplace of the master Lancelot Blondel, made in the XVI century. Meetings of the City Council are currently taking place in the Gothic Hall and marriages of citizens are being registered.
13. Park by the Lake of Love
Lake of Love Park in Bruges
Lake of Love is located in the old Minnewater Park. According to an ancient legend, the bridge on this lake will definitely lead lovers to a wedding, and by taking a promenade along it, they will find happiness in marriage.
In the old days, there was a small port on Arsenal Street, and the lake connected the city’s canals with the sea. But after a while the harbors became shallow. Sadly, many of the sights of Bruges are associated with tragic events in the lives of famous and ordinary people. In the history of Minnewater Park, there is a sad legend about the daughter of a sailor. They wanted to force the young girl into marriage. To avoid her unenviable fate, the bride decided to escape and take refuge in the forest. Her chosen one, returning home from the war, found his betrothed in the forest, who later died in his arms. In memory of his beloved, the guy set up a stone on the shore. Hence the name of the lake, and a tower now stands in place of the stone.
Horse-drawn carriages can be driven around the park. The lake is decorated with swans, graceful birds that have become a symbol of the city.
14. Beguinage
Beguinage Monastery in Bruges
The sights of Bruges include the Beguines Monastery, which was founded by Countess Margaret of Constantinople in 1244. At the beginning of its existence, it was under the patronage of King Philip IV the Handsome and had the name “Royal Beguinage”. Moats were dug around the building and filled with water, which isolated this place from the rest of the world. There is a landmark on the bridge in front of the entrance, showing the border between the city limits and the Beguinage. The phrase “Sauve Garde”, written above the gate, indicates the right to shelter in this area. Beguines are considered nuns, but this is not entirely correct. They do not take monastic vows, have the right to start a family and have the right to return to everyday life.
15. Queen Astrid Park
Queen Astrid Park in Bruges Michael Zehrer
The history of this park began after the monks were given land along Bramberg Street for the construction of the monastery. For several centuries, the park has served as a quiet place for monks to relax. However, during the prohibition of religious societies, the monastery was destroyed, and the park area fell into private hands. In the 19th century, the local authorities bought part of the land for the construction of the Church of St. Magdalene. Soon, an Old English-style public park was created on the remaining territory.
Initially, the park was named after the former owners – Franciscan. But after the tragic death of Queen Astrid, the garden was given her name. Sculptor De Vispelare created a bronze bust of the “Snow Princess”, which is located in the center of the park. A small lake and a cozy gazebo add charm and romance to this place. Read also about the sights of Brussels and be inspired to travel further in Belgium.
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