A day trip to Bruges was on the itinerary for Saturday, so we got up early, walked to the station, and caught a short train to this sweet, canal based city. Bruges is one of those European towns that just evokes images of charm whenever you hear it spoken of. It is a special city as most of it's medieval architecture is still intact and the entire city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While it is fairly "touristy," we were not disappointed by our time spent here and could have, quite easily and happily, stayed another day.
Our visit started with a short stroll from the station to the Beguinage, along the Minnewater, a canalized lake often referred to as "The Lake of Love."
The Minnewater (snow covered) and surrounding buildings.
Canal coming from the Minnewater,
towards the Beguinage and City Centre
Our first stop was to the Beguinage, the peaceful home of the Bruge Beguines for over 700 yeas. It was founded in 1245, it was the home of religious lay women (Beguines) until 1937 when it became a monestary for the Benedictine Sisters who still live and worship there. The church on the estate was built in 1604, after the earlier church was burned in a fire; most houses dates to the 16th and 17th centuries; and the entrance gate is dated to 1776 (see the photo below). We read, whiel there, that the homes have also been used to house women in need over the years. This was perhaps the part of the story that tugged at my heart the most--I loved thinking of this beautiful, serene setting being used to provide refuge for vulnerable, hurting women.
After leaving the Beguinage, we crossed the bridge and re-entered the bustling world of Bruges. Our short walk to the city centre brought lots of sights (gorgeous building), sounds (horses drawing carriages), tastes and smells (chocolate!!). It was sensory heaven.Restaurant decorated for Christmas
This is someone's house. Or, more accurately my new dream home.
This is someone's house. Or, more accurately my new dream home.
Old St. John's Hospital is a stunning piece of architecture, conveniently situated on a canal. The oldest documents concerning the hospital are from 1188, and it seems most of the building was constructed in medieval times. It was used as a hospital up until the 1978 and is now a museum.
Old St. John'sHospital, which is seated on a canal.
Houses on the canal, across from the hospital.
Bruges is home to several amazing churches: The Basilica of the Holy Blood, St. Salvator's Cathedral, and Church of Our Lady, to name a few. Only Joe made it into the Basilica of the Holy Blood before it closed (he said it was beautiful) and we loved St. Salvator Cathedral as well. But, the Church of Our Lady is the one I'll never forget. As the brochure so aptly states, "this church is a work of ART. Its beauty overwhelms you."
Most notably, this church possesses and displays a Madonna of Michelangelo, dated to 1504. It was brought to Bruges, from Italy by a Bruges merchant and was stolen, several times by French (1794) and German (1944) occupying forces.
Most notably, this church possesses and displays a Madonna of Michelangelo, dated to 1504. It was brought to Bruges, from Italy by a Bruges merchant and was stolen, several times by French (1794) and German (1944) occupying forces.
We were also quite enthralled by the tombs of graves in front of the High Altar. Two tombs, one of Mary of Burgundy and the other of Charles the Bold are remarkably ornate and beautiful. Just behind them are three exposed graves, which have been beautifully painted with symbols of eternal life. The central grae was for Mary of Burgundy, and there is an inscription that states the heart of her son (Philip the Handsome, father of emperor Charles V) was held there in a small box (which is still there). Several other, similar, graves are in a side chapel and are equally beautifully painted.Mary of Burgundy's Tomb
Angel swinging incense
Back on the lively streets of Bruges, we continued our walk along the charming streets before being met by an unexpected Christmas parade featuring several Mary's, the wise men, and a bell-playing man.
Two random street performers (what is the instrument on the left?)
Bell Player
The colorful city centre is one of my favorites, so far. Around three sides of the square are colorful, well preserved buildings now used as restaurants, cafes, and shops. In the centre, during this time of year, was an open air ice skating rink. And, to one side, grandly looming over the square is the 83 metre high bell tower (click here for a better picture and some information).
The Bell Tower/Belfry
Just past the Grote Markt, is the City Hall, on the Burg Square, right next to the Basilica of the Holy Blood. The City Hall is an amazing and intricate piece of Gothic architecture that dates to the 1300s. It's stunning.
Behind the City Hall, and across a canal, is the old fish market, now used as a venue for local artists to sell their creations. We've taken to "collecting" a piece of art on each of our travels and were thrilled to find a local artist (born and raised in Bruges) who does really beautiful etchings of various Bruges landscapes. He took us through each one and pointed out where they were done, telling us stories about each place. After debating which of his many lovely pieces we were going to buy, we selected one which will be a lifelong reminder of this beautiful city and this charming man.
Looking back on the Belfry
After a delicious snack and warm drink by a roaring fire, we decided to make our way (slowly) back to the train station. Although the day began sunny and clear, it soon started snowing and we got to enjoy a stroll through the quiet streets, along the canals, as the snow fell. Talk about romantic. 
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