Bruges is a charming, medieval city crossed by a network of canals. With its medieval tenement houses, lots of squares and boats running along the canals, it looks like cut from a postcard.
Bruges was founded in Roman times, and in the 12th century a commercial city with canals grew on the site of an ancient settlement, which was an important communication route. Until the 15th century it experienced its "golden age" and it is from this time that the UNESCO-listed Old Town. They are made up of the districts Markt and Burg, preserved in their original arrangement, with two squares around which their life focuses. You can see, among others, monumental market halls with the Beffroi tower, in which carillon winning various melodies hangs. Its peak offers a great view of the city. Nearby is the cathedral of St. Salwatora, while at Burg Square the church of the Holy Blood, in which the relics of the blood of Jesus are kept. Another interesting temple is the Jerusalem in private hands, which recreates the appearance of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.
During its greatest development, Bruges was also an important cultural center. Famous painters such as Jan van Eyck, Hugo van der Goes and Hans Memling worked here. The museum in the former St. Hospital is dedicated to the latter. Jana, where you can also see the decor of a medieval pharmacy. Ancient art works can be seen in the Groeninge Museum.
One of the biggest attractions of Bruges are cruises on the local canals thanks to which the city is called "Flemish Venice". From the deck of the boat you can admire picturesque tenements and bridges. In the evenings, bars and restaurants come alive, where Belgian beer is served, including Brugse Zot produced in Bruges, whose brewery De Halve Maan can be visited.
