Bruges

Weekly markets have been held in the Grote Markt for over a 1000 years. Today the horse drawn carts, the squealing pigs, the tethered donkeys have all given way to banks, post offices, restaurants bars and of course the Pronvincial Court and Belfry. The market square is pedestrianised which helps create a relaxed atmosphere as visitors and locals alike stroll about this very walkable city.

The Belfry built around 1280 housed the city's treasury and the municipal archives, while also being an observation post for spotting fires and possible attacks. The gate below the Belfry leads to the former market halls and entrance to the bell tower - and it's 336 step ascent. Today the bells are kept in tune as they they time out the quarter hours. The 2008 film In Bruges was centred around the Markt and Belfry.

The town hall or Burg is one of the oldest in Belgium being built around 1376 and has been the administrative centre for over 600 years. Inside the 19th century murals depict the city's past. The Basilica of the Holy Blood is just off the square.

If you arrive in Bruges by train ( or by bus ) the Lake of Love or Minnewater is close by. The lake was formed when the River Rele which flowed through the town was made into a canal, with the lake being used as part of a flood defence and a reservoir. The swan which can be seen in large numbers along the canals is a symbol of Bruges dating back to the 13th century.

Begijnhof is a collection of houses used by Beguines lay nuns, founded in the 13th century who lived to serve God without retiring from the world. The nuns were Roman Catholic. A Begijnhof or béguinage is usually a circle or semi circle of houses often surrounded by a high wall and gated.

The canal system through the city dates back to when the River Rele flooding was controlled by building the canals along its route through the city. Today visitors can take a canal tour which provides views of this historic city which are unseen by walkers.

Along Mariastratt just as it crosses the canal is one of the oldest surviving hospital buildings in Europe - built in the 11th century. The building alongside the canal is now a museum. Across the street is the Church of Our Lady.

Guido Gezelle was a Flemish writer and poet and a Roman Catholic priest (1830 – 1899) born in Bruges - he spent most of his life in Flanders and was given the title of of priest for he 'English Convent', due to his interest in the English Language. He died in the convent in a small room which is still un-entered since the year of his death 1899. The memorial in the square remembers his life.

Along Walpein street there a re a number of cafes, restaurants, breweries and chocolateries, lace shops ( something Bruges is famous for ) and makes a nice place to rest from wandering the streets.