BRUGES
Bruges is the historic capital of the province of West
Flanders, Flanders being one of the three regions of
Belgium. It is largely considered one of the most
beautiful towns in Europe.
The municipality comprises the city of Bruges proper and
the towns of Assebroek, Dudzele, Koolkerke, Lissewege,
Sint-Andries, Sint-Jozef, Sint-Kruis, Sint-Michiels,
Sint-Pieters, Zeebrugge, and Zwankendamme. On July 1,
2005, Bruges had a total population of 117,172. The
total area is 138.40 kmē which gives a population
density of 847 inhabitants per kmē.
Like Ghent, but on a more concentrated scale, it has
most of its medieval architecture intact. There are many
beautiful medieval buildings, including the Onze Lieve
Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady), whose brick spire - at
122m - is Europe's highest brick tower/building.
Bruges is also famous for its 13th-century Belfort,
housing a municipal Carillion comprising 47 bells. The
city still employs a full-time bell ringer, who puts on
regular free concerts.
Other famous buildings in Bruges include the Beguinage,
the Heilig Bloed Basiliek (the Basilica of the Holy
Blood), the modern Concert Hall and the St-John
Hospital.
Bruges also has a very fine collection of medieval and
early modern art, including the world-famous collection
of Flemish Primitives. Various masters, such as Hans
Memling and Jan van Eyck, lived and worked in Bruges. |