Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
2. Bruges
Situated in northern Belgium, in the Flanders region of the country, Bruges is undoubtedly
one of the most charming and beautiful cities in all of Europe. With street after street of
charming houses and canals every which way you turn, Bruges can make you forget that
you are in the 21st century at all. And indeed, Bruges and its people are very connected to
the city's long and illustrious history, both as an important religious centre and an important
trading post in the late middle ages.
Well situated between many other European countries that were engaging in trade at the
time, Bruges became a centre for the loading and unloading of goods that came from places
such as England, Scandinavia, Germany, France, and Spain.
The importance that religion has played in the history of the city is also very apparent when
you stroll through the streets of Bruges. You'll see church after church, many with extremely
impressive architecture dating right back to the 11th century, and also places such as alms-
houses, which acted as religious community houses for people who were too poor to pay
their rent.
Regardless of which time of year you visit Bruges, you are certain to fall in love with the
heart of Flanders.
