Bruges is a Belgian city. It is the capital of the province of West Flanders. Located in the northwest corner of Belgium 90 km from the capital, Brussels. Its name comes from the western Germanic “Bryggia” (“bridges”, “docks”, “berths”). It is interesting to note that, in Dutch, “brug” means “bridge,” and that this city has the plural of this word as its name, due to the large number of bridges that exist there.
this urban center is one of the greatest European attractions, since it keeps the structures intact. Like Amsterdam, Gothenburg and Hamburg, among others, Bruges is known as “the Venice of the North”, due to the large number of canals that cross the city and the beauty of them.
The most recognizable Bruges monument is the 13th-century belfry, which houses a carillon consisting of 48 bells. The city still employs a carillonneur, who regularly gives concerts on a permanent basis.
Bruges is known for its lace. The city, especially with its textile manufacturing techniques, was the inspiration for the creation of the Kimsooja multimedia productions (Thread Streets). The second episode of the series, created in 2011, is partly shot in Bruges.
The best way to get to know Bruges is by walking, the majority of tourist attractions are in its historic center, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
The best way to get around by plane is to use the Brussels airport, which is an hour by train or car. The nearest airport is Bruges-Ostend International Airport (about 25 km from the city) but the routes to and from it are limited. A shuttle service to the south of Brussels to Bruges has recently been launched.
