Historic Centre of Brugge
Brügge, Belgium
23.10.2010
The Old Town of Bruges - A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Old Town of Bruges, also known as the "Venice of the North", is a historic city located in the northwest of Belgium. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 due to its well-preserved medieval architecture and canals, which reflect the city's rich cultural and historical significance.
The history of Bruges dates back to the 9th century when it was founded as a fortress by Viking invaders. The city quickly developed into a prosperous trading center due to its strategic location along the coast. In the 12th and 13th centuries, Bruges became an important center for cloth production and trade, leading to its nickname "the Golden Age of Bruges".
One of the most iconic landmarks in the Old Town is the Belfry of Bruges, a medieval bell tower that stands at 83 meters tall. Originally built in the 13th century, it has become a symbol of the city and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Another must-see is the Church of Our Lady, a Gothic church that houses the famous sculpture "Madonna and Child" by Michelangelo.
The canals of Bruges, which are lined with picturesque houses and bridges, are also a major attraction. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the city from a different perspective. The Groeningemuseum is another highlight, showcasing a collection of Flemish and Belgian art from the 14th to 20th centuries.
Today, the Old Town of Bruges continues to be a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors every year. Its charm and beauty have also made it a popular filming location, with movies like "In Bruges" and "The White Queen" being filmed here.
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Brugge is an outstanding example of a medieval historic settlement, which has maintained its historic fabric as this has evolved over the centuries, and where original Gothic constructions form part of the town's identity. As one of the commercial and cultural capitals of Europe, Brugge developed cultural links to different parts of the world. It is closely associated with the school of Flemish Primitive painting.
Bruges ( BROOZH, French: [bʁyʒ] ; Dutch: Brugge [ˈbrʏɣə] ; West Flemish: Brugge [ˈbrœɦə]) is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium, in the northwest of the country. It is the sixth most populous city in the country.
The area of the whole city amounts to more than 14,099 hectares (140.99 km2; 54.44 sq miles), including 1,075 hectares off the coast, at Zeebrugge (from Brugge aan zee, meaning 'Bruges by the Sea'). The historic city centre is a prominent World Heritage Site of UNESCO. It is oval and about 430 hectares in size. The city's total population is 117,073 (1 January 2008), of whom around 20,000 live in the city centre. The metropolitan area, including the outer commuter zone, covers an area of 616 km2 (238 sq mi) and had a total of 255,844 inhabitants as of 1 January 2008.
Along with a few other canal-based northern cities, such as Amsterdam and Saint Petersburg, it is sometimes referred to as the Venice of the North. Bruges has significant economic importance, thanks to its port, and was once one of the world's chief commercial cities. Bruges is a major tourism destination within Belgium and is well-known as the seat of the College of Europe, a university institute for European studies.
