In this block are some of the most visited places in Bruges. Also, in addition to the sites mentioned here, travelers will discover that the walls, towers and gates to the medieval city preserved almost intact. On the other hand, to assume that the city is not prepared for the road traffic, so that should be visited on foot or in one of the boats that cross the channels. The latter out of the following points: Dyver, the Gruuthusebrug, Rozenhoedkaai and Vismarkt, all located south and southwest of City Hall. Organized routes usually last a half hour or so.
Begijnhof (Beguinage): This is a convent founded in 1245 by Margaret of Constantinople. The last beguine who lived there died in 1930 and since then, the building serves as home to a community of Benedictine nuns. Perhaps most notable are the small white cells that bypass the cloister, and in which the nuns meditate and rest.
Or Belfry Belfort (Belfry): Located south of Mark, this is an original construction of 83 m the year 1240 (although it was devoured by fire 40 years later.) The octagonal upper part was added between 1483 and 1487, while the upper parapet corresponds to 1822. Upon entry, visitors can see a balcony from which the judges of old Bruges announced to the people the new laws. To admire the imposing building campaign should save a whopping 366 rungs.
Cathedral of San Salvador: Although throughout its history has been four grass fires and looting perpetrated by many Calvinists, the Cathedral of Bruges still retains some of its past splendor. As an example, should emphasize a beautiful carved stalls (XV century), some tapestries from Brussels and the gravestone of Bishop Carondelet. Similarly, in the cathedral museum are some remarkable pictorial works.
Pelikan: The building of 1714, turned into a nursing home, is named after the bird shows a bas-relief of the main entrance.
Gerechtshof (Palace of Justice): In the past, this building was known as the palace of the Commonwealth Council of Bruges. Although it was remodeled in the eighteenth century, the building still has a magnificent facade of the XVI century. For behold, it is recommended be placed next to the Fish Market or Vismarkt. Inside the Gerechtshof, the most remarkable is the Council Chamber, decorated with a beautiful black marble fireplace, alabaster and oak.
Grand-Place (Main Square): This square, very typical of the Belgian cities, is a good starting point for a walking tour itinerary through the city. In the middle of it you can admire a nineteenth-century monument in memory of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, who led the rebellion against the French citizen in 1302, and the defense of the privileges obtained by the unions. Still, the most emblematic buildings of the Grand-Place is the Belfort and Halle (see details in the corresponding entries.)
Groene Rei (Spring Green): Its main attractions its gardens, groves along the canal and some picturesque bridges.
Groeninge Museum: This museum houses an important collection of Flemish paintings, mostly related to the fifteenth century. Among the exhibits, include Jan van Eyck? With works such as The Madonna with Canon Van der Paele (1436) and Portrait of Margaret van Eyck (1439), Nicolaes Maes? Portrait of four children (1657)? and Jan Provoost? Crucifixion (ca. 1500).
Gruuthuse Museum: The curious name of this old mansion is linked to Groats, fermented barley used in brewing. Today, is home to a museum of decorative arts.
Halle (covered market): Situated in the Grand-Place, is a medieval building that took place mainly trade in wool and cloth was sold. Compared to the same, can still see some houses belonging to different unions and corporations, dating from the seventeenth century. Among them, of the Fishmongers, whose facade is decorated with anchors.
Memling Museum: Housed in the old hospital of San Juan (street of the same name), this museum houses several masterpieces that are worth a visit. One is the altarpiece entitled The Mystical Marriage of St. Catherine, whose side panels are dedicated to San Juan Bautista and San Juan Evangelista, patterns of hospital. Similarly, should also be mentioned Ark of St. Ursula, six paintings on a carved wooden shrine whose shape mimics a Gothic chapel. It recreates the journey of Santa with 11,000 virgins from England to Rome, where they were received by the Pope. On the return trip, however, they were killed by the pagans of Cologne.
Minnewater (Lake of Love): This enclave is located south of the Begijnhof. Part of its appeal lies in the swans that live on its surface. In the south, the bridge starts opening the so-called Ghent canal, and one side of it stands a fifteenth-century gunpowder was used to defend the city.
Onze Lieve Vrouw (Church of Our Lady): This temple houses two fifteenth-century works by German painter Esteban initialed Lochner (The Adoration of the Magi and the Annunciation), and one of the first sculptures of Michelangelo: The Madonna Child. In any case, it is also recommended close to the chapel of lanchals, which contains the tombs of Charles the Bold and Mary of Burgundy. After her death (1482), the Netherlands became controlled by the Habsburgs.
Burg Square: Located near the Stadhuis and Basilica of Holy Blood, Burg Square, originally a walled fortress of the tenth century, which came to have an area of one hectare and several doors. Also the church of Our Lady and St Donato also part of the complex.
Rozenhoedkaai (Muelle del Rosario): Among its monuments, it is worth noting the bridge (Sint-Jan Nepomucenusbrug). It was built to commemorate the day when the Archbishop of Prague was thrown into the river Moldau.
Stadhuis (City): Begun in 1376 and completed in 1412, this elegant Gothic turrets crowned served as a model for Flemish towns who held municipal power. In turn, is considered one of the oldest town halls in the Netherlands. Its spectacular facade, its stylized windows should stress, in which you can see the coats of arms of the cities that were vassals of Bruges in the Middle Ages. Similarly, also highlights some sculptural representations of historical heroes. On the right, is on the balcony where the Counts of Flanders oath before assuming control of the city. Once inside, worth a leisurely look at the Gothic Hall (located on the first floor), chaired by historic-themed murals and topped with a remarkable wooden vault of the fourteenth century. The other big attraction is the History Hall, which houses paintings and documents related to the history of Bruges.
An appointment with the best of Belgian cuisine
Below are listed some restaurants where travelers can enjoy the flagships of local and Belgian cuisine.
Arthies: Following the signs Wollestraat, 10, hides the central and welcoming restaurant. Chaired by a modern and sophisticated atmosphere, establishing their culinary based on fresh, high quality, prepared and imaginatively presented. Among her specialties include shrimp with red curry sauce, the steak tartare or frog legs with garlic. The prices are rather high.
Cambrinus: Located in Philipstockstraat, 19, this quaint restaurant offers its customers more than 400 types of beer. This range can be enjoyed surtidísimo accompanied by painstaking menus and snacks, making it a good choice for dinner with friends. Their prices are moderate.
Craenenburg: This is a central grill (Mark, 16) located in a medieval building. In 1905, the building gave place to a smoking club. After undergoing various reforms in 1956, the family Boedt (current owner of the building) turned it into a cafe restaurant a decade later. Currently, the Craenenburg offers all kinds of grilled meats.
In Florentijnen: The once embassy in Florence in Bruges during the Middle Ages (Academiestraat, 1) today houses a fine dining restaurant in which the main products are meat and fish. The menu price is between 40 and 85 euros or so. The establishment is closed on Mondays and Sundays.
De Karmeliet: Located in Langestraat, 19, is the only restaurant in Bruges which has the rating of three stars in the Michelin Guide. From their kitchens, the chef Geert Van Hecke imaginative signature creations meat, fish and seafood is a real temptation for lovers of good food.
In Twijfelaar: This bistro (located in Eekhoutstraat, 24) is a specialty of grilled meats? Prepared four different ways and salads, including its traditional accompaniments, a baked potato and seasoned with garlic butter. The price of the menu revolves around the 12.50 euros per person. The restaurant is open from 12:00 to 14:30 from 18:30 h to 00:00 h.
Guillaume: This French restaurant is located in Lane Korte, 20. Decorated with great attention to detail, their menu (which costs about 60 euros) allows for delicious recipes made with vegetables and seafood. Nor in any way detract from his car full of desserts.
Maria van Bourgondie: Site next to the church of Our Lady and the Gruuthuse Museum (Guido Gezelleplein, 1), the restaurant Which has a beautiful medieval facade? is part of the French and Flemish cuisine. His specialties include grilled meats and seafood. Prices are moderate.
Parkrestaurant: Just 30 m Astridpark Park with a stunning façade and card (Minderbroedersstraat, 1), proposals of this local revolve around the traditional Flemish cuisine. It can find menus from 25 euros. Those traveling by private vehicle, equipped with a parking service located just 50 meters from the restaurant.
Patrick Devos: Located in Zilverstraat, 41, in the heart of Bruges, this restaurant dedicated to fine cuisine opens its doors in a building dating back to the dawn of the fourteenth century. However, this is not the only reminiscence of times past, as its interior decoration is inspired by the Art-Nouveau style. Your letter leaves room for dishes and recipes of high quality, washed down with a selection of the best international wines.
