Bruges and the Carillon — a Shared History

The entire historic centre of Bruges is a designated World Heritage site. This is especially unusual and there is a number of reasons behind it. Both the structure and the architecture of the city point to Bruges’ prominent past as one of Europe’s most significant trade centres: from the unique pattern of the streets to the well-preserved second defensive city ramparts, the canal network (‘reien’) and the city’s material heritage. Bruges’ medieval past has also been expertly preserved and carefully renovated. The remarkable visual unity of the city was also well-preserved thanks to the carefully-considered Neo-Gothic style. Despite the fact that many centuries have gone by, Bruges’ skyline remains unchanged. Modern Bruges is an architecturally coherent whole, with a clearly defined historic centre that is without false notes or visual noise. A beautiful sight that has stood proud for many centuries. Bruges is also considered to be the birthplace of the Flemish primitives, a group of painters who elevated Bruges’ status to that of an internationally renowned centre for art in the 15th century. You can still marvel at many works of art by the world-renowned masters in Bruges, the city where the works were created.

Every year on Ascension Day (forty days after Easter), the Procession of the Holy Blood passes through the historic city centre of Bruges. The Procession of the Holy Blood was first held in 1304 as an expression of gratitude and faith. More than 1700 participants sing, play music, dance and act. The style of the procession reminds of the Burgundian time when guildsmen, craftsmen, brotherhoods and Chambers of rhetoric were responsible for the performance of the scenes. The dominating theme is the remembrance of the suffering of Jesus Christ. The biblical narrations constitute the basis of the procession. Thematically, the Procession of the Holy Blood is divided into four parts. The evocation starts with the Old Testament, from Creation to the prophets. Next comes the New Testament, from Birth in Bethlehem to Pentecost. The third part tells how the relic of the Holy Blood ended up in Bruges. In the last part, the members of the Noble Brotherhood of the Holy Blood accompany the shrine in which the precious relic is stored. Watching the procession pass by is free, but you can also see the event from a bench or the stands. In that case, you will need to purchase a ticket.

A carillon is a percussion music instrument that consists of at least 23 cast bronze bells and is played with a keyboard. The carillon first saw the limelight in the 16th century when rich cities like Bruges embellished their belfries and steeples with tower bells. In the 17th century, the technique was refined and by the end of the 19th century, the carillon was increasingly used as a musical instrument in its own right — not related, therefore, to towers and churches. Since November 2014, UNESCO has recognised the Belgian carillon culture as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Those who wish to listen to a spot of carillon can do so at the Market Square of Bruges (carillon with 47 bells), the Grootseminarie (theological academy) of Bruges (26 bells), Damme Town Hall (39 bells) and the Church of Lissewege (24 bells).

Nobody in Belgium was particularly surprised when UNESCO designated Belgian beer culture as Intangible Cultural Heritage. When you drink a beer here, you are tasting history. And it tastes pretty good, too! There are many breweries in Bruges and the surrounding area, ranging from the large-scale crowd-pullers to the smaller micro-breweries. Many restaurants also like to cook with local beers, serving classic recipes as well as some more contemporary dishes. Bruges even has its very own city beer — Brugse Zot. This beer became an instant classic for the people of Bruges. Add to this the many cafes with their extensive beer menus and the renowned winter beer festival and you’ve got a city simply bursting with Belgian beer culture, not to mention its great history of beer going back many centuries.

The most striking tower in Bruges dates back to the 13th century. It is 83 metres high and is protected as a world heritage site. Anyone who climbs all 366 steps will be rewarded with a stunning view over the city and its surroundings. On your way up, you can pause at the treasury, which held the city’s charters, seals and coffers during the Middle Ages. A few steps further on you will see the impressive music drum that operates the carillon and the keyboard used by the city carillonneur to play the tower’s 47 carillon bells. Bruges’ Belfry has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999.

The 'Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde' with its white-coloured house fronts and tranquil convent garden was founded in 1245. This little piece of world heritage was once the home of the beguines, emancipated lay-women who nevertheless led a pious and celibate life. Today the beguinage is inhabited by nuns of the Order of St. Benedict and several Bruges women who have decided to remain unmarried. The Beguinage was recognised as a World Heritage site in 1998.