Weekend Getaways
Brugge - When I first came to Brugge, I could sense the atmosphere of Belgian medieval times.
"Somewhere within the dingy casing lay the ancient city", wrote Graham Greene of Brugges, "like a notorious jewel, too stared at, talked of, trafficked over." There is nothing to be surprised about; it is one of the most perfectly preserved medieval cities in Western Europe. The Begijnhof district is the best example of this medieval beauty. Irregular circle of thirteenth and eighteenth century buildings is surrounded by a stunning garden. It is worth to visit this place in the spring when magnolia blossoms among colourful carpets of daffodils, crocuses and tulips. There is the 'lake of love', Minnewater, nearby which attracts couples and especially in spring breathes with atmosphere of love.
Districts such as Begijnhof used to exist around the whole town but many of them got destroyed. The medieval architecture of Brugge was enriched by the neogothical style from the beginnings of nineteenth century thank to numerous British community which found the city attractive for its flourishing trade. The Britons decided to modernize parts of the town that were too archaic by demolishing the old, neglected houses and building new ones.
If you have an aerial look at Brugge it resembles a labyrinth of paved little streets crossed by canals with numerous squares attached and steep roofs, old chimneys and church belfries overlooking the town. You can easily notice two big squares – Markt and Burg joined together with a wide street of modern shops and shopping centres.
Markt lies in the heart of the city; edged on three sides by gabled buildings, creates an impressive open space, on the south side of which the octagonal Belfry was built in the thirteenth century when the town was at its richest and most extravagant.
In 2002 Brugge was awarded the title of European Capital of Culture, not only because of its ancient character but also because of the world famous art pieces collected widely in the Brugge museums. You'll find Madonna and Child by Michelangelo here, The Last Judgment by Jan Provoost and the Annunciation from the Hans Memling triptych.
It is a good idea to have a cruise on the Brugge canals. It allows to look at the town from a totally different perspective – for the beauty of Brugge is hidden in details, such architectonic elements as subtle round portals, little chapels or miniature statues.
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