Highlights of Bruges The 10 ‘classics’ you don’t want to miss
Medieval splendour on the Burg The Burg is the beating heart of the city. From the 14th century town hall, which is the oldest in the Low Countries, Bruges has been governed for more than 600 years. This majestic architectural square also contains the Palace of the
Rozenhoedkaai and the Bruges canals, a typical city view
istry and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. No other location in Bruges bears greater testimony to the city’s former wealth. (Read more on pages 75, 79 and 92)
The Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay) links the Belfry with the city’s network of canals, the true ‘veins’ of Bruges, and of-
Strolling through the old Hansa Quarter
fers a unique and picturesque pano-
From the 13th to the 15th century, Bruges was the most important trading centre in
ramic view. Hardly surprising, then,
North-West Europe. Spanish merchants settled along the Spaanse Loskaai (Spanish
that the Rozenhoedkaai is the most
Quay) and in the Spanjaardstraat. The
popular photographic hot-spot in town!
Germans or Easterners – ‘oosterlingen’
You can discover many more special
in Dutch – took up residence in the
places and hidden pearls during a boat
Oosterlingenplein. In this old Hansa
trip on the canals. From the water, Bru-
Quarter you can admire the mansions of
ges is even more enchanting. A classic
the wealthy international merchants and
that you really don’t want to miss.
the great trading nations of the day. You
Markt: an absolute must
can almost still smell the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
The vibrant centre of the city has been dominated for centuries by the 83-metre high Belfry. Today, you can climb right to
The Flemish primitives: timeless beauty
the top of this impressive tower. You will
In Bruges’ Golden Age – the 15th century – art was king. Leading artists of the day,
be rewarded with a spectacular view of
like Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling,
Bruges and the surrounding countryside.
came to live and work in the city. Today,
The Markt (Market Square) is also home
you can marvel at the masterpieces of
to the Historium, a top attraction that
the world-famous Flemish primitives
takes you back in time to the city’s medi-
in the Groeninge Museum and the
eval past. Ringed with colourful houses, the Market Square is also the regular standing
St. John’s Hospital. Here you can come
place for the famous horse-drawn carriages.
face to face with the great paintings
(Read more on pages 76 and 84-85)
that were created in the city all those centuries ago. (Read more on pages 84 and 90)
5 HIGHLIGHTS OF BRUGES
HIGHLIGHTS OF BRUGES
4
Liberty of Bruges, the former Civil Reg-
Highlights of Bruges The 10 ‘classics’ you don’t want to miss
Medieval splendour on the Burg The Burg is the beating heart of the city. From the 14th century town hall, which is the oldest in the Low Countries, Bruges has been governed for more than 600 years. This majestic architectural square also contains the Palace of the
Rozenhoedkaai and the Bruges canals, a typical city view
istry and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. No other location in Bruges bears greater testimony to the city’s former wealth. (Read more on pages 75, 79 and 92)
The Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay) links the Belfry with the city’s network of canals, the true ‘veins’ of Bruges, and of-
Strolling through the old Hansa Quarter
fers a unique and picturesque pano-
From the 13th to the 15th century, Bruges was the most important trading centre in
ramic view. Hardly surprising, then,
North-West Europe. Spanish merchants settled along the Spaanse Loskaai (Spanish
that the Rozenhoedkaai is the most
Quay) and in the Spanjaardstraat. The
popular photographic hot-spot in town!
Germans or Easterners – ‘oosterlingen’
You can discover many more special
in Dutch – took up residence in the
places and hidden pearls during a boat
Oosterlingenplein. In this old Hansa
trip on the canals. From the water, Bru-
Quarter you can admire the mansions of
ges is even more enchanting. A classic
the wealthy international merchants and
that you really don’t want to miss.
the great trading nations of the day. You
Markt: an absolute must
can almost still smell the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
The vibrant centre of the city has been dominated for centuries by the 83-metre high Belfry. Today, you can climb right to
The Flemish primitives: timeless beauty
the top of this impressive tower. You will
In Bruges’ Golden Age – the 15th century – art was king. Leading artists of the day,
be rewarded with a spectacular view of
like Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling,
Bruges and the surrounding countryside.
came to live and work in the city. Today,
The Markt (Market Square) is also home
you can marvel at the masterpieces of
to the Historium, a top attraction that
the world-famous Flemish primitives
takes you back in time to the city’s medi-
in the Groeninge Museum and the
eval past. Ringed with colourful houses, the Market Square is also the regular standing
St. John’s Hospital. Here you can come
place for the famous horse-drawn carriages.
face to face with the great paintings
(Read more on pages 76 and 84-85)
that were created in the city all those centuries ago. (Read more on pages 84 and 90)
5 HIGHLIGHTS OF BRUGES
HIGHLIGHTS OF BRUGES
4
Liberty of Bruges, the former Civil Reg-
a nr ei Kra
Cordoea
Kan dela ars
.
Robijnst r
r
ve
Dij
aa rds tra at
Concertgebouw,
hof
3 km » FINISH
KATELIJNEPOORT
t ves Ba
t
lijne Kate
eg
»ColettijnenDISTANCE
Minnewaterpark
t raa
nst
ijne
ett Col
rge w
str. ers Pijp
of kh
Minnewater
of
at stra erg
ferb
mee
enh
till
Sen
at stra ave jn R ewi
Wi jng
d Bou
str.
nen
non
e Rod
» START
‘t Zand
Oost
nstraat binesse Jako
t traa
t
Sul
traa
Rodenonnenpark
nes elij
a a ls Arsen
brechtss traat
e gijn
Poertorenpark
lij Sta
nmarkt Gare
Oude Gentweg
Visspaanstraat
aat str ord
08
WALK 1
r
Prof. Dr. J. Se
at
f
Wijngaardplein
Kat
Begijnho
02 02
uisstra
22
No
04
nstr.
shof
Werkh
at
Walplein
13
Goudsmedenstraat
e Gentweg Nieuw
traat
e ewat
rs
H
urb uss tr.
at
ens tra
Ste
Zilverst raa t
Gulden-V lieslaa n
P. P o
Moe rstr aat
t
aa
t traa
Spee lma nsr ei
ins
t raa
t
nte
itje
tst
K
t
traa
oms
jebo
n asta
Driekroeze
riestr aa
n Fo
aat str
dre
hou
O.L.V.kerkhof-Zuid
Wal
Beeldenmakersstr.
ge
Boeve
str.
re Fre
vée
Su
n Pa
Eek
Willemstraat
n in
er Wev
markt
‘t Pand
Gr o e
39
Minn
n Be s nve
Saint John’s Hospital 14 01
t
an
t
J.
n
Gro
n rde Pee
a stra
. lstr
. str en
Guido Gezelle laa
Mee
Eze
Buiten Smedenvest
at tra rds gaa om Bo t raa sst der Rid
at tra lks Ke
Ves ting
i nare -An Sint ersdijk Verv
r. Koningst
t nde
Bli
inn zer
WC
35 15
at stra
38
enves
1500
r. Burgst
i rtu
h
stra
straat
01
elMidrgd str. bu
Ka
aat str
ia Mar
FINISH
ort
po out
Eek
Stoofs
Ketsbrugge WC
. ersstr nmak Wape
at tra
uw
B u it e
Stationsplein
WC
03 07
les
Nie 02
Congrescentrum
Oostmeers
Westmeers
Koning Albert I-laan
an
ncela
an sla
STATION
BURG
Hof Arents
29
tion
BOEVERIEPOORT
16
straat
Breidel
at tra 28 ses thu 03
u Gru
tstr aat
BEGIJNHOF
Begijn
Kl. Hertsbergestr. erg tsbe Her straat
H
02
Sta
d
Eilan
at
stra oog
Hal
de tr. Ou ers Zom
ees
03
Garsoenstr.
Unescorotonde
tra
traat Twijns
Mallebergplaats
17
re Gar De
19
Guido Gezelleplein
rs Zonnekemee
Koning Albertpark
12
raat
t rgas
albu
-N
t
a stra
nscie
rik Co
gden
Hend
el Sing
vest
Bruges may be, quite rightly, very proud of her World Heritage status, but the city is happily embracing the future too! This walk takes you along world-famous panoramic views, sky-high monuments and centuries-old squares invigorated by contemporary constructions. One foot planted in the Middle Ages, the other one firmly planted in the present. This walk is an absolute must for first-time visitors who would like to explore the very heart of the city straight away. Keep your camera at the ready!
18 15
OUD SINT-JAN
21
05
Keersstr.
St.-W
WC
MARKT
St.-Obrechtsstr.
Joris Dumeryplein
. sstr nier
30
S t.
H.-G
04
Koolbrandersstr.
10
Ieperstr.
rtrnaa Geestraat
r
Kleine H.tr. Geests
Oranjeboomstr.
v a tors k e
Bakkersstr.
str.
t Vlamingstraa
t
23
Sal
Goezeputstraat
ibus
estraa Engels
at
raat
a tra
t
rsato alv tr. -S ors St. ko
St.-Jan in de Meers
Glor
Van Voldenstr.
t
S t. -
START
WC
H
instr. Fonte
raa
Zilveer-g ste
e Hoogst gge ru van B
a at andstr Zuidz Lendestr. Korte Vuldersstr.
‘t Zand 18
Zilverpand
Kraanplein
St.-Maartensplein 24 te r. o K rersst d Rid
Sint-Jansstraat
St.-Jansplein
straat Philipstock
t traa ers Zilv
traa
tst
tr nds
aat Dweersstr
str.
arkt
at
Klokstraat
s Kop
t aa
Gis
at tra
a rdz Noo
Artois Centrum ‘t Zand
ra erst auw
Maa
verie
n Boe
Buite
Beursplein
Vrijdagm
traat
r.
olst
s Zwijn
aa
St.-M
s Haan traa
ges lfha
t
scho k
sbil rten
Wu
a stra
l Kege
19
t
traa
dens
Sme
laa arij Nik Rozesmtraat Eiermarkt
Wijnzakstraat 17 33
at tra rns oo
ijk rsd dikh we Pre hou n e 01 08 43 . Ste r 05 WC gst 33 Vismarkt ber W 09 22 am Wo 24 Bra Huidenlle str t vettersplein a aa i kl ra t aa s est i 13 str. als kaa Wa oed h Ke n rk e me Pa Roz mstr. 12 lst Loppe r. . r t s 13 nis u rg Simon str. ange eB rolf Stevinplein KoudeO ud 10 Gee Gev
t
ine Kle ansstr. J St.-
nd Bra
at estra sterr Zeven traat Paals str. akers Kamm traat elens Kreup straat schuur Grein
SMEDENPOORT Buiten de 20 Smedenpoort
20
Kl. Hoefijzerstr.
17
Leemputstr.
str aa
O
str.
aan
e
Lan
tr. Nests
e
ijn
tr. arss esp s D n-
WC
ss
rstr.
te Kor
Lan
lm Pa
. Ooststr
St r
str.
an -Ha
44
t 37 Muntplein aat str Muntpoort unt m d 16 Gel a at Pri n tv St.-Amandsstr nse Kort an g nho e Kleine St.-Amandsstr. ers f str a at Hel ms tr
elboo Spikk
Kuipers
erl
fijz
u
Scho
. str
erw
tr.
Kleine
Hoe tr. erss wveg
Ge
ards
Bolla
t
Park Sebrechts
b ko
Mortierstraat
La
iaa
Dam
06
stra
Kip
08 25
J. van
07
a t-J Sin
er Pat
. nstr
aat
ing
est eV ng
traa
Sint-Jakobsplein
Adriaan Willaertstr. 25 09
rhuis Bote 10
22
ws
u
BLOEDPUT
09
ak
at
tho
Gen
Woensdagmarkt i gelre Spie e d o R 05 21 larei o in p Jan van S aat 15 Eyckplein Boudewijn iestr 11 cadem Biskajersplein Ostenstraat A
ersst Kuip
aat tstr
mpo Roo
eZ
09
ra gst min Vla
Oud
Lee
Peter Benoitlaan
en
Gro
Naaldenstraat
laan
at stra
ings
e ink
ew
rt Ko
jn- tr. erss
m Raa
rijd
t sstraa aker nm to te P Grauw wer ker sst raa t
evi
it Po
ske Zak
l
Bev
aat estr
rsstr uwe nho Bee
Walk 1 Bruges, proud World Heritage City
a end Roz
Graaf Visartpark
ust
Aug
at
ra nst
enplein
. str
jn Azi
ardstraat panja
11
S
WC
Hendrik
Pulinxpad Alternative route
lein Bargep
e lijn ate
ves
t
a nr ei Kra
Cordoea
Kan dela ars
.
Robijnst r
r
ve
Dij
aa rds tra at
Concertgebouw,
hof
3 km » FINISH
KATELIJNEPOORT
t ves Ba
t
lijne Kate
eg
»ColettijnenDISTANCE
Minnewaterpark
t raa
nst
ijne
ett Col
rge w
str. ers Pijp
of kh
Minnewater
of
at stra erg
ferb
mee
enh
till
Sen
at stra ave jn R ewi
Wi jng
d Bou
str.
nen
non
e Rod
» START
‘t Zand
Oost
nstraat binesse Jako
t traa
t
Sul
traa
Rodenonnenpark
nes elij
a a ls Arsen
brechtss traat
e gijn
Poertorenpark
lij Sta
nmarkt Gare
Oude Gentweg
Visspaanstraat
aat str ord
08
WALK 1
r
Prof. Dr. J. Se
at
f
Wijngaardplein
Kat
Begijnho
02 02
uisstra
22
No
04
nstr.
shof
Werkh
at
Walplein
13
Goudsmedenstraat
e Gentweg Nieuw
traat
e ewat
rs
H
urb uss tr.
at
ens tra
Ste
Zilverst raa t
Gulden-V lieslaa n
P. P o
Moe rstr aat
t
aa
t traa
Spee lma nsr ei
ins
t raa
t
nte
itje
tst
K
t
traa
oms
jebo
n asta
Driekroeze
riestr aa
n Fo
aat str
dre
hou
O.L.V.kerkhof-Zuid
Wal
Beeldenmakersstr.
ge
Boeve
str.
re Fre
vée
Su
n Pa
Eek
Willemstraat
n in
er Wev
markt
‘t Pand
Gr o e
39
Minn
n Be s nve
Saint John’s Hospital 14 01
t
an
t
J.
n
Gro
n rde Pee
a stra
. lstr
. str en
Guido Gezelle laa
Mee
Eze
Buiten Smedenvest
at tra rds gaa om Bo t raa sst der Rid
at tra lks Ke
Ves ting
i nare -An Sint ersdijk Verv
r. Koningst
t nde
Bli
inn zer
WC
35 15
at stra
38
enves
1500
r. Burgst
i rtu
h
stra
straat
01
elMidrgd str. bu
Ka
aat str
ia Mar
FINISH
ort
po out
Eek
Stoofs
Ketsbrugge WC
. ersstr nmak Wape
at tra
uw
B u it e
Stationsplein
WC
03 07
les
Nie 02
Congrescentrum
Oostmeers
Westmeers
Koning Albert I-laan
an
ncela
an sla
STATION
BURG
Hof Arents
29
tion
BOEVERIEPOORT
16
straat
Breidel
at tra 28 ses thu 03
u Gru
tstr aat
BEGIJNHOF
Begijn
Kl. Hertsbergestr. erg tsbe Her straat
H
02
Sta
d
Eilan
at
stra oog
Hal
de tr. Ou ers Zom
ees
03
Garsoenstr.
Unescorotonde
tra
traat Twijns
Mallebergplaats
17
re Gar De
19
Guido Gezelleplein
rs Zonnekemee
Koning Albertpark
12
raat
t rgas
albu
-N
t
a stra
nscie
rik Co
gden
Hend
el Sing
vest
Bruges may be, quite rightly, very proud of her World Heritage status, but the city is happily embracing the future too! This walk takes you along world-famous panoramic views, sky-high monuments and centuries-old squares invigorated by contemporary constructions. One foot planted in the Middle Ages, the other one firmly planted in the present. This walk is an absolute must for first-time visitors who would like to explore the very heart of the city straight away. Keep your camera at the ready!
18 15
OUD SINT-JAN
21
05
Keersstr.
St.-W
WC
MARKT
St.-Obrechtsstr.
Joris Dumeryplein
. sstr nier
30
S t.
H.-G
04
Koolbrandersstr.
10
Ieperstr.
rtrnaa Geestraat
r
Kleine H.tr. Geests
Oranjeboomstr.
v a tors k e
Bakkersstr.
str.
t Vlamingstraa
t
23
Sal
Goezeputstraat
ibus
estraa Engels
at
raat
a tra
t
rsato alv tr. -S ors St. ko
St.-Jan in de Meers
Glor
Van Voldenstr.
t
S t. -
START
WC
H
instr. Fonte
raa
Zilveer-g ste
e Hoogst gge ru van B
a at andstr Zuidz Lendestr. Korte Vuldersstr.
‘t Zand 18
Zilverpand
Kraanplein
St.-Maartensplein 24 te r. o K rersst d Rid
Sint-Jansstraat
St.-Jansplein
straat Philipstock
t traa ers Zilv
traa
tst
tr nds
aat Dweersstr
str.
arkt
at
Klokstraat
s Kop
t aa
Gis
at tra
a rdz Noo
Artois Centrum ‘t Zand
ra erst auw
Maa
verie
n Boe
Buite
Beursplein
Vrijdagm
traat
r.
olst
s Zwijn
aa
St.-M
s Haan traa
ges lfha
t
scho k
sbil rten
Wu
a stra
l Kege
19
t
traa
dens
Sme
laa arij Nik Rozesmtraat Eiermarkt
Wijnzakstraat 17 33
at tra rns oo
ijk rsd dikh we Pre hou n e 01 08 43 . Ste r 05 WC gst 33 Vismarkt ber W 09 22 am Wo 24 Bra Huidenlle str t vettersplein a aa i kl ra t aa s est i 13 str. als kaa Wa oed h Ke n rk e me Pa Roz mstr. 12 lst Loppe r. . r t s 13 nis u rg Simon str. ange eB rolf Stevinplein KoudeO ud 10 Gee Gev
t
ine Kle ansstr. J St.-
nd Bra
at estra sterr Zeven traat Paals str. akers Kamm traat elens Kreup straat schuur Grein
SMEDENPOORT Buiten de 20 Smedenpoort
20
Kl. Hoefijzerstr.
17
Leemputstr.
str aa
O
str.
aan
e
Lan
tr. Nests
e
ijn
tr. arss esp s D n-
WC
ss
rstr.
te Kor
Lan
lm Pa
. Ooststr
St r
str.
an -Ha
44
t 37 Muntplein aat str Muntpoort unt m d 16 Gel a at Pri n tv St.-Amandsstr nse Kort an g nho e Kleine St.-Amandsstr. ers f str a at Hel ms tr
elboo Spikk
Kuipers
erl
fijz
u
Scho
. str
erw
tr.
Kleine
Hoe tr. erss wveg
Ge
ards
Bolla
t
Park Sebrechts
b ko
Mortierstraat
La
iaa
Dam
06
stra
Kip
08 25
J. van
07
a t-J Sin
er Pat
. nstr
aat
ing
est eV ng
traa
Sint-Jakobsplein
Adriaan Willaertstr. 25 09
rhuis Bote 10
22
ws
u
BLOEDPUT
09
ak
at
tho
Gen
Woensdagmarkt i gelre Spie e d o R 05 21 larei o in p Jan van S aat 15 Eyckplein Boudewijn iestr 11 cadem Biskajersplein Ostenstraat A
ersst Kuip
aat tstr
mpo Roo
eZ
09
ra gst min Vla
Oud
Lee
Peter Benoitlaan
en
Gro
Naaldenstraat
laan
at stra
ings
e ink
ew
rt Ko
jn- tr. erss
m Raa
rijd
t sstraa aker nm to te P Grauw wer ker sst raa t
evi
it Po
ske Zak
l
Bev
aat estr
rsstr uwe nho Bee
Walk 1 Bruges, proud World Heritage City
a end Roz
Graaf Visartpark
ust
Aug
at
ra nst
enplein
. str
jn Azi
ardstraat panja
11
S
WC
Hendrik
Pulinxpad Alternative route
lein Bargep
e lijn ate
ves
t
Exploring Bruges
Bruges by boat
departures from Bruges to Damme,
a boat trip on its canals. Jump aboard
daily at 10.00 a.m., 12.00 p.m., 2.00 p.m.
at any of the five landing stages (con-
and 4.00 p.m.; departures from
sult city map) for a half-hour trip that
Damme to Bruges, daily at 11.00 a.m.,
allows you to appreciate the most note-
1.00 p.m., 3.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m.
worthy delights of the city from a com-
PRICE > € 8.00 (one-way ticket) or € 11.00
pletely different angle.
(return ticket); 65+: € 7.50 (one-way ticket) or € 10.00 (return ticket); children aged 3 to 11: € 6.50 (one-way ticket) or
daily from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., last
€ 9.00 (return ticket)
departure at 5.30 p.m.
MEETING POINT > Embark in Bruges at
PRICE > € 8.00; children aged 4 to 11
the Noorweegse Kaai 31 (City map: J1)
(accompanied by an adult): € 4.00;
INFO > Tel. +32 (0)50 28 86 10, www.
children under 4: free
bootdamme-brugge.be; public trans-
The nostalgic river boat ‘Lamme Goedzak’, with room for 170 passen-
port: scheduled bus no. 4, bus stop: Sasplein near the Dampoort; from there it is a 5-10 minute walk to the landing stage in Bruges.
gers, sails back and forth between
Port Cruise Zeebrugge
Bruges and the centre of Damme, the
The port cruise departs from the old
town of the local folk hero Tijl Uilen-
fishing port on board of the Zephira, a
spiegel (Owlglass), whose friend was
passenger ship. The tour takes in the
called … Lamme Goedzak!
naval base, the Pierre Vandamme Lock
67 E X P LO R I N G B R U G E S
OPEN > Sailings are guaranteed from
March to mid-November: in principle,
Lamme Goedzak (steam wheeler) Damme
You might want to stroll, amble and saunter down the streets of Bruges all day long. However, why not try to see the city from a different perspective? During a walking or bicycle tour, a guide will show you numerous secret places. Maybe you would prefer a boat trip on the mysterious canals – an unforgettable experience! And a ride in a horse-drawn carriage must surely be the perfect romantic outing. Sport-lovers can even do a guided run around the city. Or perhaps you simply want to tour all the highlights as quickly and as comfortably as possible? Then a minibus with expert commentary is what you need. Or what about a flight in a hot-air balloon or a tour in a bike carriage? The choice is yours!
OPEN > During the period 1/4 to 30/9:
A visit to Bruges isn’t complete without
Exploring Bruges
Bruges by boat
departures from Bruges to Damme,
a boat trip on its canals. Jump aboard
daily at 10.00 a.m., 12.00 p.m., 2.00 p.m.
at any of the five landing stages (con-
and 4.00 p.m.; departures from
sult city map) for a half-hour trip that
Damme to Bruges, daily at 11.00 a.m.,
allows you to appreciate the most note-
1.00 p.m., 3.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m.
worthy delights of the city from a com-
PRICE > € 8.00 (one-way ticket) or € 11.00
pletely different angle.
(return ticket); 65+: € 7.50 (one-way ticket) or € 10.00 (return ticket); children aged 3 to 11: € 6.50 (one-way ticket) or
daily from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., last
€ 9.00 (return ticket)
departure at 5.30 p.m.
MEETING POINT > Embark in Bruges at
PRICE > € 8.00; children aged 4 to 11
the Noorweegse Kaai 31 (City map: J1)
(accompanied by an adult): € 4.00;
INFO > Tel. +32 (0)50 28 86 10, www.
children under 4: free
bootdamme-brugge.be; public trans-
The nostalgic river boat ‘Lamme Goedzak’, with room for 170 passen-
port: scheduled bus no. 4, bus stop: Sasplein near the Dampoort; from there it is a 5-10 minute walk to the landing stage in Bruges.
gers, sails back and forth between
Port Cruise Zeebrugge
Bruges and the centre of Damme, the
The port cruise departs from the old
town of the local folk hero Tijl Uilen-
fishing port on board of the Zephira, a
spiegel (Owlglass), whose friend was
passenger ship. The tour takes in the
called … Lamme Goedzak!
naval base, the Pierre Vandamme Lock
67 E X P LO R I N G B R U G E S
OPEN > Sailings are guaranteed from
March to mid-November: in principle,
Lamme Goedzak (steam wheeler) Damme
You might want to stroll, amble and saunter down the streets of Bruges all day long. However, why not try to see the city from a different perspective? During a walking or bicycle tour, a guide will show you numerous secret places. Maybe you would prefer a boat trip on the mysterious canals – an unforgettable experience! And a ride in a horse-drawn carriage must surely be the perfect romantic outing. Sport-lovers can even do a guided run around the city. Or perhaps you simply want to tour all the highlights as quickly and as comfortably as possible? Then a minibus with expert commentary is what you need. Or what about a flight in a hot-air balloon or a tour in a bike carriage? The choice is yours!
OPEN > During the period 1/4 to 30/9:
A visit to Bruges isn’t complete without
Bruges: World Heritage city Sonia Papili reveals the Italian side of Bruges
ID-KIT Name: Sonia Papili Nationality: Italian Date of birth: 17 May 1972 Living in Bruges since 2006. Sonia is a geologist with the Ministry of Defence and a tourist guide in Bruges.
ty and temperament. And he was right:
University of Ghent, her attached to the
Bruges really is my city!’
University of Rome – who met on a ship
In the meantime, Sonia learnt Dutch
in Istanbul to discuss climate change:
and started work here as a geologist.
there are worse ways to start a
During her citizenship programme, she
long-distance relationship. For three
became more and more curious about
years, the pair commuted back and
the history of her new home town. ‘Dur-
forth between Italy and Belgium, before
ing the language course they told us a
finally deciding to settle in Bruges.
little bit about the history of the place.
‘I had only been in Bruges once before,’
This intrigued me and so I decided to
says Sonia. ‘I was much more familiar
follow a three-year course to become
with Ghent, but my husband thought
an official guide in Bruges.’
that Bruges better suited my personali-
‘I was much more familiar with Ghent, but my husband thought that Bruges better suited my personality and temperament. And he was right: Bruges really is my city!’ WHY BRUGES IS A WORLD HERITAGE CITY During the week, the Italian Sonia Papili studies the North Sea with academic sobriety; during the weekend she guides her fellow countrymen with great passion around her adopted city. A passion that began gradually some eleven years ago, but now burns more brightly than ever.
In 1998, the Bruges Beguinage was recognized as a World Heritage site. A year later, the Belfry received similar recognition. In 2000, this was extended to cover the entire city centre. Since 2009, the Holy Blood Procession has been listed as an item of immaterial World Heritage. Bruges also has a valuable and impressive architectural patrimony and is a fine example of an architecturally harmonious city. In particular, Bruges is famed for its Gothic style buildings in brick. In addition, its authentic and organically developed medieval urban fabric has been perfectly preserved and it is also the ‘birthplace’ of the Flemish primitives. In other words, reasons enough for UNESCO to label Bruges as a ‘World Heritage city’.
105 B R U G E S : WO R L D H E R I TA G E C I T Y
Two geologists – him attached to the
Bruges: World Heritage city Sonia Papili reveals the Italian side of Bruges
ID-KIT Name: Sonia Papili Nationality: Italian Date of birth: 17 May 1972 Living in Bruges since 2006. Sonia is a geologist with the Ministry of Defence and a tourist guide in Bruges.
ty and temperament. And he was right:
University of Ghent, her attached to the
Bruges really is my city!’
University of Rome – who met on a ship
In the meantime, Sonia learnt Dutch
in Istanbul to discuss climate change:
and started work here as a geologist.
there are worse ways to start a
During her citizenship programme, she
long-distance relationship. For three
became more and more curious about
years, the pair commuted back and
the history of her new home town. ‘Dur-
forth between Italy and Belgium, before
ing the language course they told us a
finally deciding to settle in Bruges.
little bit about the history of the place.
‘I had only been in Bruges once before,’
This intrigued me and so I decided to
says Sonia. ‘I was much more familiar
follow a three-year course to become
with Ghent, but my husband thought
an official guide in Bruges.’
that Bruges better suited my personali-
‘I was much more familiar with Ghent, but my husband thought that Bruges better suited my personality and temperament. And he was right: Bruges really is my city!’ WHY BRUGES IS A WORLD HERITAGE CITY During the week, the Italian Sonia Papili studies the North Sea with academic sobriety; during the weekend she guides her fellow countrymen with great passion around her adopted city. A passion that began gradually some eleven years ago, but now burns more brightly than ever.
In 1998, the Bruges Beguinage was recognized as a World Heritage site. A year later, the Belfry received similar recognition. In 2000, this was extended to cover the entire city centre. Since 2009, the Holy Blood Procession has been listed as an item of immaterial World Heritage. Bruges also has a valuable and impressive architectural patrimony and is a fine example of an architecturally harmonious city. In particular, Bruges is famed for its Gothic style buildings in brick. In addition, its authentic and organically developed medieval urban fabric has been perfectly preserved and it is also the ‘birthplace’ of the Flemish primitives. In other words, reasons enough for UNESCO to label Bruges as a ‘World Heritage city’.
105 B R U G E S : WO R L D H E R I TA G E C I T Y
Two geologists – him attached to the
Discoveries outside of Bruges 146 The other Flemish historical cities
> ANTWERP > BRUSSELS > DAMME > GHENT > LOUVAIN > MALINES > YPRES
150 The area around Bruges
> BRUGES’ WOOD- AND WETLAND > COAST > WESTHOEK > LYS VALLEY > MEETJESLAND: FLANDERS CREEK COUNTRY > FLEMISH ARDENNES
155 Guided excursions from Bruges
Lissewege
> > > >
BY BIKE BY MINIBUS BY VESPA TO THE BATTLEFIELDS
Discoveries outside of Bruges 146 The other Flemish historical cities
> ANTWERP > BRUSSELS > DAMME > GHENT > LOUVAIN > MALINES > YPRES
150 The area around Bruges
> BRUGES’ WOOD- AND WETLAND > COAST > WESTHOEK > LYS VALLEY > MEETJESLAND: FLANDERS CREEK COUNTRY > FLEMISH ARDENNES
155 Guided excursions from Bruges
Lissewege
> > > >
BY BIKE BY MINIBUS BY VESPA TO THE BATTLEFIELDS