In the north of Belgium is a city that seems out of the story: it is Bruges. It is one of the best preserved its medieval past. Appears fraught with winding streets, canals and old buildings, museums, and contains the best collections of Flemish painters in the country. Moreover, this city has the backing of being chosen as European Capital of Culture 2002.

Bruges is one of the most beautiful and pictures cities of Europe. In fact, its historic center was declared World Heritage by UNESCO. Its impressive medieval buildings, their temples and canals, we recall its most flourishing period during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

The city is dominated by one of its most emblematic monuments, the Atalaya or Tower Market. This impressive building is located in the Plaza Mayor, in the heart of Bruges. It is a huge tower, 83 meters, with one of 47 bells and carrillón dating from the thirteenth century. From its highest point, after climbing over 300 steps, you can enjoy a spectacular view across the city.

In the square stands a beautiful statue commemorating the heroes of the «Battle of the Golden Spurs» . Another of the most important is the Burg square, which is the Basilica of Holy Blood. His name is because the church is composed of two superimposed chapels, XII and XV century, containing the relic with the blood of Jesus Christ. In the square we can also visit the oldest town hall across the country, a building with an impressive facade and towers of sandstone.

Tourists can come to the Cathedral of San Salvador, the oldest parish church in Bruges, built between the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Another must see is the Lonja or Poortersloge of Bourgeois. We must come to observe the symbol of the city, the legendary Bear Bruges. Another important temple is the church of Our Lady of the thirteenth century and has a majestic tower 122 meters high. Its interior retains a rich artistic heritage, with the exceptional work of «The Virgin and Child,» a sculpture in white marble by the famous artist Michelangelo.

Parks, canals and museums:
The visit to Bruges to be accompanied by a visit to the famous Reien or channels. In fact, this city is known as «The Venice of the North» by the similarity of its labyrinthine streets, full of ghostly buildings and canals. There are other places of great beauty, like the romantic Minnewater pond, with its mythical swans or Beaterio. The city is also rife with museums. Gruuthuse highlight the Museum, a mansion full of objects of applied art, or the Memling Museum, which displays masterpieces by Hans Memling. Another museum is the special Groeninge Museum, where you can find a complete tour of the Belgian painting of the past six centuries.

It is also interesting about the Center of Snap, which displays the work of artisans engaged in spinning wearing their traditional dress. It is said that the Belgian is the best fit of Bruges, by the use of perfect symmetry and for the care of every detail. Furthermore, surrounding the city of Bruges, the popular stand windmills, this is part of the landscape of the region.
Moreover, we should not leave this town without tasting the Belgian roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate in your care cafes and bars. Nor should we fail to taste the delicious dishes of the fish market or visit the famous brewery Hendrik Straffan, popular since 1546 and has its own museum.

Knowing whether the center or its vicinity, Bruges shows charming places that make one of the most visited cities in the world. Travel, whether on foot, by bike or by boat, through its channels, will be unforgettable for the visitor.