Funny thing about Belgium. Although the most visited place in the country is its Capital of Brussels, sometimes I guess the only reason for it is that there are the country's only international airports - Brussels and Charleroi and most people think they just should see the city when there. But if you are looking for a real hidden treasure in this West European country, take a short bus/train trip and visit this beautiful town, sometimes nicknamed as the "Venice of the north" - welcome to Bruges.
As mentioned above, there is no airport in the closest vicinity of the town, but there are direct bus connections to both Brussels airports Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport. The trip from Brussels takes about 1,5 hour, from Charleroi it is about half an hour longer.
The train station is situated within the walking distance of the city center - 2 kms from the Markt tops. There are direct trains to Brussels via Ghent departing every 20 minutes or so, making the town very easily accessible.
Bus services are another option how to get around the country or to some more distant places like Amsterdam. If you are interested in boats, another option for you may be a regular ferry service connecting Bruges to many other towns nearby, but also as far as Amsterdam.
So, let's say you have arrived. What is it that actually makes this town so popular? Unlike many other towns and cities, in this case it is basically the town itself and its atmosphere. It is one of the very few places in Europe where you can find well-preserved medieval town center - don't get confused by all those fancy colored houses, this is no Disneyland, they actually are centuries old.
Markt
The main square called Markt is the centerpiece of any tourist activity in the town. You can find here beautiful gothic houses of various colors and the landmark of the place - the Belfort of Bruges on top of which you can actually climb for 8 euro and enjoy the town from the bird's perspective.
Basilica of the Holy Blood (Heilige Bloed Basiliek)
A beautiful church on the Burg square is a great example of Gothic architecture in the town. For free you can visit the gothic church above and interesting Romanesque chapel in the basement. Don't miss it :) (Beware, the temple is closed around lunchtime so plan your visit accordingly)
Founded in 1245, the oasis of piece, convent surrounded by white colored little houses, in the center of the town has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage longer than Bruges itself. Once inhabited by the beguines, self made women dedicated to helping others, still provides the atmosphere of the life in the late 17th century. Totally worth visiting :)
All that said, while there are obviously some beautiful landmarks worth checking out, the beauty of Bruges lays in its breathtaking atmosphere. One of the few preserved medieval town in Europe invites you for a walk in the narrow streets, picturesque monastic courtyards and canals - probably the most iconic views of the town. Try it and you will never wanna leave - if at least part of your inner self is kinda romantic.
And that's all for today :) Have a fantastic day and till the next time :)
Lex
No comments:
Post a Comment