The Buchans 2014: Bruges

Bruges’ history stretches back to the 9th century when it was founded by Vikings. The name Bruges is thought to derive from the old-Scandinavian word 'Brygga' meaning 'harbour' or 'mooring place'.

In the 14th century, Bruges developed into the warehouse of the North-European Hanseatic cities. Several countries, such as Italy, Germany and Spain, had their own representation in Bruges, making it a truly European centre where different languages could be heard daily and where exotic products could be found.

Bruges' wealth started to decline in the 15th century, when the larger harbour of Antwerp came to dominate and the cloth industry fell into decline. Art and architecture continued to flourish, however, with the construction of splendid late-gothic buildings and churches, and the Flemish painting school (including Anthony Van Dyck and Hans Memling) producing great works.

By the middle of the 1800s, Bruges was the poorest city in Belgium. The 20th century, however, brought new life, when the city became an international tourist destination and Bruges’ medieval heritage turned out to be a new source of wealth for the 'Venice of the North'.

Mediaeval Street

La Grande Place

Hotel sign

Rozenhoedkaai

Burg Platz

Plenty of tempting things in the shops

Ezelpoort – town gate

We stayed at Camping Memling on the edge of Bruges. We had heard the facilities were iffy, but it looks as though they have been renovated and is now of a good standard. From here we could take the bus in. In Belgium it is best to buy your bus ticket anywhere, but on the bus. We bought ours at the petrol station, near the bus stop, for €1.30 whereas on the bus it is €2. It does speed things up. It also looked as though there were plenty a chancers who didn’t pay at all!

Art Deco house

Afternoon refreshment

Sue waiting for the bus

Three windmills to the east of the city centre

Potterierei - The street takes its name from the Pottery Hospital.

The Begijnhof - The Beguines were a religious movement of single or widowed women who wanted to live in a pious way, but outside the walls of a convent or monastery. So in many north Belgian and Dutch cities so called Begijnhofs were set up where these women lived and prayed.