5 Suggestions for Places to Visit in Bruges, Belgium
Bruges, for some, is a dream destination.
It is considered by many to be the best town in Belgium for those looking for an old-world, almost medieval aesthetic.
The buildings and their architecture are still very well preserved and attracts thousands of tourists every year.
Some tourists have suggested Bruges as the number 1 destination in Belgium.
It has also been said that if you can afford to visit only one place in Belgium it should be Bruges.
Let’s look at Some of the most famous tourist attractions in Bruges and find out if it is truly worth visiting.
1. The Historic Center of Bruges
In medieval times, Bruges was a commercial metropolis in central Europe.
The Historic Center of Bruges represents the early development phase of what would become one of Europe’s great commercial centers.
The houses, buildings and other structures in the Historic Center of Bruges lets tourists bask in the medieval glory of Europe.
The type of stones used, pattern of construction and intricate detailing is both beautiful, majestic and for visitors, a treat to behold.
2. St. John’s hospital
The St. John’s Hospital in Bruges, which was constructed in 1188, served mostly pilgrims who needed both medical and religious attention.
It was run by Nuns and monks until a new proper hospital was built in the nineteenth century.
The original hospital is now a tourist site which houses the works of some excellent Flemish artists.
Visitors get a glimpse of the medical conditions during the twelfth century and learn about the history of healthcare in Belgium.
3. The Belfry Tower
The Belfry tower is one of the most distinct structures of Bruges and at 83 meters high, it is one of the most finely constructed bell towers of the city.
The Belfry is composed of 47 bells and though not in use, one can climb the tower’s 366 steps to see it for themselves.
The Belfry tower has a treasure room where important civic documents are safely kept and which can be viewed by the public.
4. Groening museum
The art collection in the Groening museum is the best in Bruges.
Its collections include Flemish paintings along with modern art and pictures of old Burges.
There are different rooms but the first five rooms contain the most exceptional paintings.
It is a centre of Flemish culture and visitors can acquire a wide variety of knowledge from the museum.
The collection of old Flemish paintings make Groening museum truly a place worth visiting.
5. Basilica of the Holy Blood
The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a church that has been said to have a crystal vial containing a drop of blood that belongs to Christ.
The church overlooks the central plaza or ‘the Burg’ as it is known in Bruges.
In May, every year, the crystal vial is carried in a procession known as the Procession of the Holy Blood, throughout Bruges.
The basilica has three arches and gilded statues which were built in 1534.
The legend surrounding Christ’s blood and the construction of the basilica has made it a favorite spot for tourists with many traveling here to witness the famed annual procession.