20 reasons to visit Bruges - 5° The Beguinage

20 reasons to visit Bruges - 5° the Beguinage

The Beguinage, with its whitewashed housefronts, tranquil convent garden and small museum, was founded in 1245.  It was here that during the last seven centuries lived the beguines of Bruges. 
In 1937 the beguinage became a monastery for Benedictine nuns who still live her now.  The public can peek inside but silence is required at all times in the large grounds, which are planted with trees, lined with manicured garden beds and accessed by a bridge over the canals. 
Be sure to exit by 6.30pm, when the entrance gates are locked to the public.
In spring time blooming daffodils grant the beguinage refined colour. (more)

20 reasons to visit Bruges - 4° (Groeninge museum)

Groeninge Museum - Flemish Primitives' artwork

In the 15th century, Bruges was an attractive place for prominent artists to take up residence, with volumes of work being commissioned by the church and wealthy citizens.
The Groeninge Museum has a comprehensive collection of the Flemisch Primitives' artwork, which was characterised by detailed realism and expert use of oil techniques.
Today more than 200 works from the 15th century to the modern day hang in 11 galeries.  Certainly worth a visit!

20 reasons to visit Bruges - 3° (hospital museum)



Hospital museum
For eight centuries, whether you were a traveller, a pilgrim or a sick, you were welcomed by the nuns of the Hospital of St John.
Today you are able to view the 13th-century buildings, some of the medieval surgical instruments and archaeological relics. 
Don't miss a visit to the traditional 17th-century apothecary around the corner.  It's perfectly restored.

St John's hospital in Bruges - mediaeval & 20th century buildings

mediaeval St John hospital

20 reasons to visit Bruges - 2° (windmills)

Windmills
Windmills used to dominate the Flemish countryside, but today only four of Bruges's original windmills remain standing on the outskirts of town. They were built in the 1700s, and it is well worth the walk to the edge of the historic centre to see them turning with surprising speed during the summer months. The Sint-Janshuis Windmill, which is set on a grassy hill by the canals and was used to mill grain, is open to the public during summer and includes a small museum.

Old windmill in Bruges

20 reasons to visit Bruges - 1°

Bruges is stunning
If you're after a storybook European city, Bruges ticks every box: horse-drawn carriages plod along tiny cobbled streets, handmade stone bridges cross over canals filled with swans, gargoyles watch from the corners of Gothic churches and at night, slightly askew towers are illuminated by golden light.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre is one of the best-preserved mediaeval cities in Europe, but remember to get a little lost: secret gardens and quiet, picturesque spots are waiting to be discovered across the city.

Brugse toppers

stappen – bekijken – vervoeren - fietsen

slaat je stappenteller tilt,
bekijk je Brugge vanop de Reitjes of hoog vanuit de Belforttoren, 
voert de paardenkoets je langs de mooiste plekjes,
fiets je tegen wind naar de molens op de vesting ?

begijnhofbrug Brugge

 

verrassen – vertellen – klossen - luiden

sta je plots oog in oog met Michelangelo’s Madonna,
vertelt ze jou dat Memling schilderde met een penseel met 1 haar,
klos je de spelden van het delicate kantwerkje in de war,
luid jij de klokken op het dak van ’t concertgebouw  ?

terras Concertgebouw Brugge

 

picknicken – smelten – smullen – dorst lessen

picnick je op het gras in ‘t Minnewaterpark, 
bewaar je de heerlijke pralines niet tot thuis uit vrees dat ze anders smelten,
denk je het beste restaurantje van ’t stad te treffen,
les je –tot jolijt van je metgezellen- je dorst met Straffe Hendrik en ben je even de Brugse Zot ?

uitrusten - vinden – dansen – houden van

kom je tot rust in het Prinselijk Begijnhof,
vind je het kleinood waar je jaren naar zocht op de Zandfeesten ,
dans jij een sensuele salsa of passionele tango op de Vismarkt ,
ontdek je tijdens het MAfestival dat je naast populaire muziek ook van “Musica Antiqua” houdt ?

dansen op de Vismarkt, Brugge

genieten – kwitsoender'n - wegdromen - beleven

geniet je van wat Brugge jou biedt,
kwitsoender of je wegdroomt in onze gastvrije woning,
beleef jij iets bijzonders tijdens jouw citytrip in Brugge?