Brugge: A Marvel of the Past

We have all fantasized about how life would be if we belonged to some other time period. When I visited the capital of Belgium, that is exactly what I got; a different time period. The brilliance of Brugge is that all its Architecture is kept intact. All the buildings, monuments and canals are like paintings from the 16th century. It is not known as the most well preserved city in Europe for nothing. If you look closely in the picture above, you will see, 1669 is written on the building on the opposite side of the street. This was the view outside my hotel room.

The Gothic architecture of Brugge is clearly evident in the picture above. Every turn in this small city was full of surprise. It seemed more like a set of a royal film than an actual place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The picture on the right was taken on a beat alley while I traveled through the city. It was so exhilarating imagining the stories this alley had seen in all its lifetime, now mine added to it. There is something unexpected about narrow alleys. The fact that we cannot see where it leads lets me contemplate on the possibilities of the unknown to be met towards the end of it. 

The Burg Square Showing off the the Gothic Brugge Town hall built in 1376.

The Town Hall in Brugge is the oldest Town Hall in Europe. The exterior in itself is enough to woo anyone towards it. Once you enter, you are bound to get awestruck. The golden ceiling with paintings in detail depict the history of Brugge. There are chairs laid out for the visitors to relax while the soak in the magnificence. While i stared at the brilliant paintings, it dawned upon me that it was from that very hall, where Brugge was ruled from for over 700 years.

“Church of our Lady” is the second tallest brickwork construction in the world and remains the tallest in the city.  In the photo above you can see the famous while sculpture “Madona and the Child” by Michelangelo. This sculpture is very unique becasue it is the only sculpture by Michelangelo which left Italy while he was alive.

 “Madonna and Child” was originally made for Siena Cathedral. It was purchased in Italy by two Brugean merchants, the brothers Jan and Alexander Mouscron for 4000 florin, and in 1514 donated to its present home, The “Church of our Lady”.  

Roman Catholic Minor Basilica or Basilica of the Holy Blood  was built in the12th Century

The start of the Canal Tour

A ride through the waters. Brugge: Venice of the North

Brugge had an extreme economic importance as the canals were used as trade routes. Even now, its a major tourist attraction. If you love Gothic monuments, boat rides and age old artefacts, Brugge is a must visit destination for you. The place has often been compared with paintings from the 15th century and rightly so. Brugge definitely is a work of art as a city. 

If you want to know about my visit in detail, do contact me. Till then, take care and keep celebrating the spirit of travelling!

18 thoughts on “Brugge: A Marvel of the Past”

  1. ANNA PAVLIKOVSKAYA

    I’ve read the story about Brügges and felt as if I were there again, walking along its streets and channels… And it’s so correctly noted that Brügges is a city which has remained in its own time without changing. Getting there we can practically travel in time… A wonderful post and unbelievable pictures! Thank you so much!

  2. Wow, this is really very well written. When I read, I feel as if I had been there myself. Unfortunately I was not in Bruges yet. But now that I see these beautiful pictures, it is certainly on the list of my excursion goals :). I’m not your fan for a long time, but now it’s a very big one! I hope to be able to read entries from you, and to expand my list of excursion destinations. I am very excited. Thanks for this insight

  3. Thank you for sharing your beautiful images. Brugge is an amazing city full of beautiful architecture and history. It is truly a gem of a city that survived unscathed during the WWII bombings. My favorite memories are of its chocolate shops. I literally went from one shop to the next sampling the best chocolate in the world. Definitely, a must see for anyone looking for a charming European experience.

  4. Hello Raj,
    thank you for this lovely post. I absolutely agree with the comments above. Along with these beautiful pictures
    you give a feeling of being there by ourselves walking through this old city. Nicely described in details with beautiful
    texts. Congratulations !

  5. kidsupmallorca

    Thanks for taking me to this beautiful time trip! I´ve never been in Brugge, but it seems I have to go there…

  6. I love your post, I definitely want to visit this city and hopefully stay long enough to satisfy my curiosity of alleys that hide secrets ☺

  7. Thank you Raj for the nice tour.I sincerely want to say that I’ve read and watched a video about Bruges,but it’s the most perfect of all.Pen and you are a great friends. This is a great talent. Your live imaged,such a thorough description and for a moment you might think you’re in Bruges and walk around its ancient streets himself.

  8. I traveled to Brugge awhile back and found it to be captivating! However when I visited, it was at the height of tourist season and there were crowds of tourists (like me!) throughout the main streets. I did walk through the back alleys and found myself being “transported” in time! It’s a magical city!

    1. Hi Susan,

      Sorry for the late reply. I agree- Brugge is an amazing city and yes it is better to travel there during off season to avoid millions of tourists.

      Raj

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