Bruges - fabulous city
Once here, you will think that you have fallen into one of the Old Slavonic fairy tales. However, this is not quite true. Bruges, Belgium, is very much like a fairy tale city, but it is real. Here, narrow streets are harmoniously combined with old medieval buildings, as if returning us to the distant Middle Ages.
There are no modern skyscrapers and openwork, hung with neon signs, shopping centers. Bruges is one of the few cities in modern Europe that has been preserved almost in its original form.
The city of Bruges is connected to the sea by the Zvin River, thanks to which the city was known as the main port of Northern and Western Europe in the Middle Ages. Founded in the 9th century, Bruges quickly built up, grew and grew rich. Outstanding artists of Europe began to come here, the richest people of the country bought houses for themselves. Representatives of various professions and crafts came here to develop their business. The city was at the height of its glory.
But, as you know, all good things come to an end. Gradually, the Zvin River became smaller, and the glory and prosperity of Bruges passed to Antwerp. But the miracle city did not lose heart, but continued to live and develop. Tourism has become its main source of income. Talented architects and artists have left their indelible mark on the history of the creation of Bruges.
Perhaps the main attraction of the city is the famous Belfort Tower, located on the Market Square. Once upon a time, merchants from Europe bought here magnificent fabrics sewn in this glorious city. Having overcome 366 steps leading to the Belfort observation deck, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Bruges. Climbing the stairs, you just need to pay attention to the giant bell, created by the great master of bell making - Melchior de Haze.
This bell miracle is called "Triumphal". In general, the composition includes 28 bells, weighing just over 28 tons and is called "carillon". This musical machine periodically pleases residents and guests of the city with its magical voice. Undoubtedly, lovers of beauty will be delighted with the statue of the "Madonna and Child", located in the Cathedral of Our Lady.
The author of the work is the incomparable Michelangelo Bounarotti. Such a generous gift was made to the townspeople several centuries ago by one of the influential residents of the city. Also, in Bruges there are two most famous museums in Europe: Gronig and Gruthuse.
The Gronig Museum is a fine arts museum where you can see paintings by the best artists of the past and present.
If you are a lover of painting, then take care of your eyes, as they will undoubtedly scatter from an unusually large selection, and together, it will already be problematic to collect them (that is, your eyes).
As for the Gruthuse Museum, it is waiting for lovers of antiquities, because it is the crafts and life of the Middle Ages that are widely represented in this museum.
If you want, and you will certainly want to, just enjoy Bruges, which is called "from the inside", then a river boat trip around the city will give you real pleasure. Especially if you take a boat trip along the Lake of Love, washing the steps of the medieval Beguinage - which, in those years, was considered a community for women who refused to take tonsure, but who wanted to live according to monastic laws.
Well, if you are a fan of moving on asphalt or stone pavements, then horse-drawn carts are at your service, specially prepared for such an occasion by caring coachmen. Bruges is the place where everyone will find something interesting for themselves.