BRUGES

Bruges medieval architecture and fairytale like charm makes this town unique. The natural preserved beauty of Bruges draws tourists from all over the world to view historic medieval building, canals, lakes, swans and ducks that reside in this lovely dream like town. Bruges is a short train ride from Brussels which makes for a perfect day trip or an overnight more relaxed getaway.

Locals and tourists gather in the Bruges Markt (market square) for shopping, eating, and relaxing. Public events such as festivals and tournaments took place in the square in Medieval times.

Burg Square is a square and former fortress which was the base of operations of the Count of Flanders and is surrounded by the historic buildings - the Liberty of Bruges, Town Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood..

The Palace of the Liberty of Bruges was the former location which housed the governing body for the local countryside area from the late Middle Ages until 1795. The palace is now a courthouse and houses the city council's administration.

Bruges Town Hall is one of the oldest buildings in Belgium built in late Gothic monumental-style with construction starting in 1376 and completed in 1421. The town has been governed from this spot more than 600 years.

Basilica of the Holy Blood is a Roman Catholic Basilica which was dedicated to Our Lady and Saint Basil in the 12th century. The basilica is said to house the relic of the Holy Blood allegedly collected by Joseph of Arimathea.

The swans are a symbol of Bruges wealth and power since the 15th century. Legend has it that the locals were angered by the taxes Emperor Miximilian of Austria had imposed upon them. The townspeople locked up Maximilian and executed one of his town administrators named Pieter Lanchals, a name which means "long neck". Maximilian eventually escaped and took revenge on the townspeople by forcing them to take care of swans for eternity.

How did Minnewater, the Lake of Love get its name? According to a legend there was once a young lady named Minna who was madly in love with a warrior from another tribe named Stromberg whom her father did not approve of. Her father arranged for his daughter to marry another man whom he considered a better suitor. Minna found out and ran away. Stromberg searched for her and found her dead from exhaustion by the lake. The lake was thus named after her, Minnewater, the Lake of Love.

Take an enchanting horse drawn carriage ride through the fairytale town of Bruges along cobblestone streets, crossing old canals and bridges, while viewing historic Medieval buildings and gazing upon beautiful swans and ducks by the lake side.

View Bruges by water on a canal tour from a different viewpoint of the town riding along majestic canals in a serene atmosphere and make sure to have your camera ready when gently floating by the Rozenhoedkaai, the most photographed site in Bruges.

Nine times out of ten if you seen pictures of Bruges, you've most likely seen this picture of the most photographed place in Bruges due to its romantic look at dusk.

The 13th century Belfry (Belfort van Brugge) bell tower once served as an observation post and housed the treasury and municipal archives. You can climb the stairs of the bell tower for a small fee leading to a nice panoramic view of Bruges. The bell tower is a dominant feature standing tall in the Bruges Markt.

Take an intimate small group tour of the family owned and operated Brewery De Halve Maan to see the brewing techniques and enjoy a glass of complimentary Brugse Zot Blond at the end of the tour in the tavern.