Brugge known as ‘Venice of the North’

Brugge or [BROO-ghah] as the Flemish pronounce it, is a little gem of a city full of canals, beautiful churches, lace shops, museums and most importantly, chocolate shops.

It has been called “The Venice of the North” and after a lazy, romantic stroll through the neighborhoods on the water, you’ll see why.

The name of the city comes from the Viking word for “wharf.” As you walk through the cobblestone streets among grand old gabled buildings, you’ll see shop windows full of tapestries and bobbin lace, which originated in Brugge. If you’re lucky you will hear the grand carillon with its 47 different bells tuned to 47 different notes.

Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child resides in the Church of Our Lady (Notre Dame). It is surrounded by beautiful marble columns and adorns the tomb of the wealthy businessman who bought the famous work of art in Tuscany. 

If you are a lover of architecture, Brugge is chock full of great examples of the Gothic style. If your interests include paintings, Hans Memling, the famous Flemish painter, has some of his masterpieces displayed in the old hospital across the street from the Church of Our Lady. If you travel and always look forward to the food (like my husband), then try some “Flemish Fries” they are a local specialty. He often looks forward to the beer as well and in Brugge there are 120 local beers to sample. If we only had more time.

If you have more of a sweet tooth, like myself, you can sample a bit of chocolate on every block in Brugge.

If you would like some great photographs of your visit, be sure to take a boat ride through the canals and don’t forget to climb the bell tower in Market Square. It’s only 366 steps to an unforgettable view.
For more information, visit www.brugge.be.