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Bruges – The Venice of the North

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Travel Articles >> Locations >> Europe >> Belgium

Autumn...the season of romance, slow walks, bright colours; and, of course, it has certain special atmosphere of peace and reflection. And if this autumn reigns surrounded by the medieval architecture in an open-air museum city, you may be sure that perception of this fantastic season becomes more intense through a special atmosphere which suits the beautiful “pearl” of Flanders – the city of Bruges, - perfectly well.
Bruges with Michelangelo’s Madonna, the relic of the Holy Blood and the famous Belfry of the Market square, has retained the greatness of the burgundy dukes’ splendid residence.
Being a catholic city Bruges is remarkable for its numerous churches and chapels; however, due to a certain peculiarity of the town, wherever you go you shall undoubtedly come across the statue of the Virgin Mary. There are approximately 600 big statues of the Virgin Mary here, and a lot more small ones. They create a somewhat religious atmosphere. Personally I was astonished by Michelangelo’s “Madonna” situated in the church “Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk”. All my attempts to shoot it resulted in shot blur. I can only guess what the reason was - either mystics, or camera defects. As a matter of fact, it is even more pleasant to believe that something mystical, coming from Madonna’s sad expression was to be blamed.
On the whole Bruges has always been admiringly called «Scone», which means “beauty”. Even today its well-preserved baroque houses huddling in narrow streets and small squares, remained from the architecture boom that took place at the peak of the city’s flower, amazed tourists from all over the world. A century of the city’s fame and fortune was followed by the period of decay, and Bruges’ ancient architectural ensembles have remained untouched till present due to the lack of money on their reconstruction in the period of decay.
Crowds of tourists walk along the narrow streets of the city, turning to the market situated in the city centre, buy souvenirs, stop at trays to taste fresh hot waffles with melted chocolate and whipped cream, go to bars where they can taste the national dish – cheese croquets, and relax having a glass of delicious beer. Honestly speaking, Belgian beer is the best to my taste, besides, one can choose among many tastes and strengths. Thus, I recommend you to go to a bar or a small restaurant and taste at least 3 kinds of beer. Believe me you won’t be disappointed!
Beer and prayer have always been inseparable from each other; therefore the city remarkable for its luxurious palaces and churches became a concentration of restaurants, bars and pubs. But I don’t recommend you to start your day with too much beer, since there is so much to visit, to look at and to enjoy.
So, in order to enjoy a magnificent view of the city you should climb Belfried. You cannot help admiring the Gothic front of the city hall and richness of relics of the Gold Blood Chapel. Despite the fact that the city itself is a museum of architecture, it has the most interesting museums from the point of view of connoisseurs of art: the Groninge Museum, where you can find a splendid collection of the Dutch painting (connoisseurs of art know how marvellous its creations are, since the Dutch were considered among the best painters of still life of that time), the Memling Museum, the Gruuthuse Museum, attracting visitors by its lace and sculptures.
Lace is a special issue to talk about. Walking along the streets and constantly coming across small shops with lace works you understand that this is a truly fine airy handicraft. I would rather call it a special pure art. And although its prices are rather high, you can’t help leaving the city without buying at least a card with a small lacy decoration. Neither can you escape treating yourself with praline and chocolate truffles, or buying them as a souvenir for your relatives. Their assortment is so broad that you start loosing your presence of mind and you are ready to spend a pretty penny without even tasting anything. You may do it easily! The quality and delicious taste of the Belgian chocolate are incontestable.
You may also go rowing and admire the view of the city from the river. But nothing can be better than strolling along the city, especially in this beautiful autumnal season. You may walk along the narrow streets and yards, plunge into the romantic atmosphere and feel the wrapping and especially notable medieval atmosphere of separate districts (for example, the district where the Benedictine monastery was built).
Fish market is another place where you may have a break and taste delicious gifts of the sea. I can tell you for sure and people who know this city well shall confirm that autumn and winter – these cold seasons of the year – suit for visiting this site perfectly well. It is high time to make yourself comfortable in a small cosy restaurant, enjoy golden lights of the evening city, warm yourself in a cosy armchair by the fireplace, taste delicious dishes, have a glass of wine and enjoy the silence and solitude of the beautiful city in its best season – golden romantic autumn and fantastic mild winter!

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Article Submitted On: October 30, 2007