I first heard about Bruges in the Movie "In Bruge" from 2008. It's no exaggeration this charming city is truly like a f***in fairytale.
From the Lake of Tears to the Gothic Cathedrals. From the paved streets to the quaint canals everywhere you look there is a postcard perfect picture waiting to snap.
Segway
Bicycle, Horse and Cart, Canal Boat, on Foot, there are so many ways to explore this city but nothing beats the Segway tour.
We zipped around all the sights but what I find best about these tours is they are often given by a very knowledgeable local guide. Our guide Gerhard was excellent and I would highly recommend him. We got so see some parts of the city that you wouldn't get to on foot.
Sint-Annakerk
The beauty of getting a tour is the local knowledge. We would probably never have entered this simple looking church except for our Segway Guide. Inside the rich Baroque interior, a little overwhelming, was a beautiful experience.
The Church of Our Lady
This towering building near the center of the city is impossible to miss. It is the tallest structure in the city and the second tallest brickwork tower in the world. At 115m high this is one of the most photogenic buildings I have seen. Every angle gives a great shot.
The inside of this Church is a must see as it houses the famous Madonna and Child by Michelangelo.
The Madonna and Child
This statue was purchased by merchants of Bruge and donated to its present home in the 16th century. It was twice looted by foreign powers but has been restored to its rightful home.
Quaint Houses
We arrived in Bruge by train and walked to the our BnB in the old city. As we approached the city though the quaint paved streets the charm of the city began to take hold.
The Canals
We then got to the canals where you can stroll by day or night. Such a peaceful place.
The Bell Tower
In the center of the city is the Bell Tower. In medieval cities the sound of bells ruled the lives of its citizens. Bells were used as a way of organizing the lives of the citizens.
If you have seen In Bruge this is where a lot of the action was!
There are a lot of steps but not only do you get stunning views of the city but you get to see the inside of the bell tower and the music box that makes the different sounds.
A Multisig Lock from the Middle Ages
Inside the Belfry was one of the discoveries of the trip. A Multisig Lock from the middle ages.
In this chest the city charters and other important documents of the city were stored. There were ten locks in the door. Eight were in the hands of the deacons and guilds of trades. The remaining two were kept by the head of the Sint Janszestendeel, a district in the city, and the mayor. All the keys were needed in order to open the door. The chests were rarely opened and usually involved a big ceremony on such occasions.
Minnewater Lake - The Lake of Tears
At one end of the city there is the most beautiful park and Lake.
Don't miss the lake of tears where legend has it a lady who lost her husband to the crusades filled the lake with her tears. It now is a lovely place to stroll and see the Ducks and other wildlife.
You can walk in the park or laze away the day in a tea room by the lake. In Bruge there are tea rooms all over the city. It seems to be the thing there.
The Oldest Pub in Belgium
When we passed this pub on our Segway our guide told us it was the oldest pub in Belgium. I made a mental note to come back that evening.
Unfortunately when we returned it was shut. At just half 10! So Disappointing, and it was our last night in Bruge so we didn't get to see inside at all.
The Potato Museum
In Begium they are even more mad about potatoes than the Irish. They even have a Potato Museum with Potato and Chip Art on the Walls and all things Potato related.
Ireland did get a mention though!
Frites
Finally got great Frites. Being a bit disappointed by the fites we tasted in Ghent we were happy we finally got some great ones in Bruges.
Waffles
We also had some of the best waffles here in Bruges.
In the next post, the last in this series, I will share more mouthwatering photos of the amazing Waffles and Frites we had in Belgium.
Other Posts in this Series
- Overview of Belgium
https://steemit.com/travel/@eroche/belgium-much-more-than-just-beer-waffles-and-chocolate - Brussels
https://steemit.com/travel/@eroche/2aaude-belgium-much-more-than-just-beer-waffles-and-chocolate - Graffiti in Ghent
https://steemit.com/travel/@eroche/4f7ezm-belgium-much-more-than-just-beer-waffles-and-chocolate - The Textile Museum in Ghent
https://steemit.com/travel/@eroche/2wcav8-belgium-much-more-than-just-beer-waffles-and-chocolate - Steemit in Print
https://steemit.com/steemit/@eroche/steemit-in-print - Ghent
https://steemit.com/travel/@eroche/6kcuqf-belgium-much-more-than-just-beer-waffles-and-chocolate
Thank you for reading this. I write on Steemit about Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Travel and lots of random topics.
All Images are from my personal library.
Wonderful post. I really enjoyed the pictures and your story. I think what I liked most about it is that Bruge seems to have really interesting architecture. The Church of Our Lady is really fascinating. I don't think I have ever seen a brick tower structure that tall before.
Thank you @rockjon. Stay tuned for the next post about Belgium. It will be all waffles and chips :)
I will definitely look forward to it. :)
I absolutely loved Bruge! It was a spur of the moment choice to go and I'm so glad I did. What a beautiful little city, and yes, the frites I had there were amazingly delicious too! Thanks for doing this gem justice :)
Ok, must...have...waffles...and...chocolate!!!
Looking forward to the next one - hehe :)
Hi eroche! Loved all the cathedrals they are all very beautiful you are a lucky man you get around and see so much beauty! I'm happy I can see all these marvelous things through you, thanks for sharing excellent steem 🕊🕊
Great Pics! I would love to travel there one day...
M too heard about it .
I love beers ! I will plan to go there !
👍👍👍
Very nice post! They do very good ICE CREAM in Belgian by any chance eat some you will love it.
Someday, i'll be in here. Nice place. Thanks for your sharing, @eroche
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