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Europe Belgium Bruges Highlights of Bruges Old Hansa Quarter — Stroll through History

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Old Hansa Quarter — Stroll through History

The guide was updated: 2024-09-10

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Private Historical Tour: The Highlights of Bruges

From the 13th to the 15th century, Bruges was the most important trading centre in North-West Europe. Spanish merchants settled along the Spaanse Loskaai (Spanish Quay) and in the Spanjaardstraat. The Germans or Easterners — ‘oosterlingen’ in Dutch — took up residence in the Oosterlingenplein. In this old Hansa Quarter you can admire the mansions of the wealthy international merchants and the great trading nations of the day. You can almost still smell the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.

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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

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Rozenhoedkaai — a Typical City View

Rozenhoedkaai — a Typical City View

Welcome to the city’s most popular spot for photography, a centuries-old Instagrammable hotspot. Once upon a time, rosaries were sold here; today it provides one of the city’s loveliest views. The perfect place for a selfie with your beloved. Summer or winter, morning and evening, sun or rain, the romance of the Rozenhoedkaai always works its magic.

Canals of Bruges — the Arteries of the City

Canals of Bruges — the Arteries of the City

The canals have for centuries been the vital circulatory system of the city, winding through Bruges and treating you to new magnificent views around every bend. Take a stroll or a boat trip and discover secret gardens, romantic bridges and medieval facades reflected in the water. Veiled in mist, a family of swans floats past: time stands still on the canals.

Markt — the Market Square

Markt — the Market Square

The beating heart of Bruges has long been dominated by the Belfry, 83 metres high and the city’s most prominent building. Those who climb to the top of the Belfry are rewarded with a breath-taking panorama. In the Market Square itself, marvel at the imposing Provincial Court and the many colourful stepped gables, and maybe you’ll hop in for a carriage ride. This is, after all, the place where the coachmen wait, just to complete the picture.

Burg — the Burg Square

Burg — the Burg Square

The Market Square is the heart of Bruges, but the Burg Square is its soul. For centuries this has been the centre of power in the city, and Bruges city administration still occupies the 14th century Gothic Town Hall. This grand, majestic square is lined with monumental landmark buildings. These were built over the centuries, and reflect the building style of their age. A handy architectural guide assembled in a single square! From the Basilica of the Holy Blood through the Liberty of Bruges to the Deanery. Immerse yourself in the riches of Bruges.

Old Hansa Quarter — Stroll through History

Old Hansa Quarter — Stroll through History

From the 13th to the 15th century, Bruges was the most important trading centre in North-West Europe. Spanish merchants settled along the Spaanse Loskaai (Spanish Quay) and in the Spanjaardstraat. The Germans or Easterners — ‘oosterlingen’ in Dutch — took up residence in the Oosterlingenplein. In this old Hansa Quarter you can admire the mansions of the wealthy international merchants and the great trading nations of the day. You can almost still smell the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.

The Flemish Primitives

The Flemish Primitives

In Bruges’ Golden Age — the 15th century — art was a big deal. Leading artists of the day, like Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling, came to live and work in the city. Today, you can marvel at the masterpieces of the world-famous Flemish primitives in the Groeninge Museum and the St. John’s Hospital. And in the treasury of Bruges’ oldest parish church, Saint Saviour’s Cathedral, you can also come face to face with other priceless paintings that were created in the city in centuries gone by.

Gruuthuse Museum — the Burgundian Splendour

Gruuthuse Museum — the Burgundian Splendour

Discover the Burgundian splendour at the site of the Gruuthuse Museum. In this luxurious 15th century city palace you can explore the 500 years of Bruges history through a rich and varied collection. Particularly eye-catching is the intimate private chapel that connects the palace with the Church of Our Lady. In this way, the lords of Gruuthuse were able to follow the religious services in comfort and privacy. The church’s showpiece is the beautiful white marble statue of the Madonna and Child by Michelangelo, which leaves no visitor unmoved.

Beguinage — a Place for Quiet Contemplation

Beguinage — a Place for Quiet Contemplation

Some places are so beautiful that they leave you speechless. The Beguinage is just such a place. This is where the beguines — emancipated women who lived pious and chaste lives without taking holy orders — once lived together in harmony. This walled oasis of religious peace, with its delightful inner garden, wind-twisted trees and white-painted gables, can charm even the most cynical of souls with its deafening silence.

Minnewater — Lake of Love

Minnewater — Lake of Love

A romantic hotspot par excellence! Once people believed that water nymphs ('minnen' in Flemish) lived here, and thus the lake got its name. Add to that a tragic love story, mysterious trees and an abundance of greenery and you get a place overflowing with romance. How about an Instagram post? The finest photos can be taken from the Lake of Love bridge, or by the Lockhouse. A hit even without filters.

Concert Hall — Culture with a Capital C

Concert Hall — Culture with a Capital C

This tall and stately culture temple on ’t Zand gives the largest square of Bruges its own unique dynamism. In the soberly decorated auditorium, visitors can enjoy classical music and contemporary dance in the best possible setting. During the day, you can explore this remarkable building by following the Concertgebouw Circuit, an original and entertaining experience route that ends with a fantastic view of Bruges from the roof terrace.

Almshouses — Charity Set in Stone

Almshouses — Charity Set in Stone

Villages within the city. That’s how you can best describe these residential centres, which originated in medieval times and are still occupied today by senior citizens. The almshouses were first founded centuries ago for charitable purposes. Today, with their picturesque gardens, their white-painted gables and their perfect peace and quiet, they are amongst the most tranquil places in Bruges.

Church of Our Lady — a Work of Beauty in Brick

Church of Our Lady — a Work of Beauty in Brick

The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady), with its imposing 115.5-metre high brick tower, is not only a fine testimony to the skill of the Bruges master builders of yesteryear, but is also the second tallest brick church spire in the world. Inside the church visitors will be moved by the magnificence of Michelangelo’s white marble Madonna and Child.

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