Een Klein Uitstapje: Brugge, Belgie

Brugge or Bruges (pop.117,000  2005) is the capital of the province of Western Flanders and Belgium most touristical city, with 2 million annual visitors (on the account that there are only 10 mln people living in Belgium - that's quite a number!!!) .This perfectly preserved (or actually restored) medieval town of little canals has been called the Venice of the North. 

During Medievel Times it was one of the most prosperous cities in Europe. By 1500, Bruges' population had boomed to 200,000, twice the size of London at the time!!! - and twice its size now. But soon after started the decline - and by the 19th  century it became the poorest city of Belgium.

Interesting History with the MORAL (from me :) : In 1302, Philip IV imposed a new tax on Flanders, and even took the two sons of the Count of Flanders, Guy of Dampierre, in hostage. This caused great unrest in Flanders and in the morning of 18 May 1302, the citizens of Bruges murdered all the Frenchmen in their city, identifying them by their pronuciation of the Flemish phrase schild en vriend ("shield and friend"). Everyone who had a problem pronouncing that, was killed. The massacre is known as "Brugse Metten" ("Bruges' Morning"). Moral: it's quite a good idea to know the language of the country where You live. :)))

One of the 54 bridges of the inner city:



About the houses by the canals - I envy people who live there... Imagine opening your back door right into the city waters, feeding the ducks from the terras...




Some chocolate:



The Gothic Stadhuis (town hall), built between 1376 and 1420, is arguably the most beautiful town hall in Belgium. There are 48 niches and replicas of the statues of counts and countesses of Flanders. The original were destroyed during the French Revolution.






Webcam Markt Brugge