Belgium, Bruges

The city of Bruges (also spelled Brugs, Brugge or Brugse) in western Belgium is known throughout the world as one of Europe's most lovely and well-preserved medieval cities. Renowned for the artwork in its many museums and churches, Bruges is also known as "the Venice of the north" because of the canals that criss-cross the city. The canals of Bruges actually bear a closer resemblance to those of Amsterdam, and the windmills that ring the city also give it a Dutch feel.

History

The history of Bruges begins in a very modest way more than 2000 years ago as a Gallo-Roman settlement. Bruges was founded in the 9th century by Vikings who settled here at the end of the little river 'de Reie'. The name Bruges is probably derived from the old-Scandinavian word 'Brygga', which means 'harbor, or mooring place'. Because of the proximity of the North Sea, the settlement very quickly became an important international harbor.

Bruges has a long tradition of international port activity. The oldest trade settlement of Bruges and the early medieval port were accessible from the sea until around 1050.

Already in the 13th century Bruges was an important international trading center. Traders from all over the then known world came to the city to sell their products to each other and to buy Flemish cloth, a internationally acclaimed textile product, produced in different Flemish cities (e.g. Gent). In the early 14th century Bruges was the scene of political unrest between the citizens and the count of Flanders.

The population swelled, from some 35,000 inhabitants in 1340 to perhaps 100,000 before 1500, when the natural link between Bruges and the sea silted up, and the port of Antwerp became a rival.

The city, then one of the leading trade and woolen-goods manufacturing centers of the world, flourished until the end of the 15th century.

After a decline during the late fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, Bruges recovered to an extent during the sixteenth century. 
However, the city had lost its leading trade position to Antwerp. The split from the Netherlands in 1584 led to the final decline of Bruges. By 1600, Bruges was a provincial city with a modest maritime reputation.

It was a possession of the Netherlands from 1814 to 1830, when Belgian independence was established. Construction of the canal between Brugge and Zeebrugge early in the 20th century considerably accelerated commercial activity in the city.

Today the city is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Belgium, and is considered one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe.

Geography & Demographics

The old medieval Flemish city of Bruges is situated northwest of Belgium in the province West-Vlaanderen. The city is located only 12km away from the North Sea coastline. Today's Bruges has a population of about 45.000 people (the old center) or 120.000 people (center together with the suburbs). These numbers clearly show that Bruges is not a tiny miniature city. It ranks, even today, among the important cities of Belgium.

Economy

The city languished in the economic doldrums for centuries, the river silted up and cut off direct access to the sea, and it was not until the late 19th century that Bruges once more came ‘back to life’, ironically almost entirely due to Georges Rodenbach’s novel Bruges la Morte, which awakened international interest in what had become a sleepy backwater.

Economically, Bruges has seen better days. It was once a centrepiece in the cloth trade with immense clout in the industry. Those days were vanquished some five hundred years ago with the restricted access to the North Sea, but Belgium is hardly a country in poverty.

Culture

Modern Bruges is a dynamic, friendly, place, with a strong arts culture and all the ingredients of a successful tourist centre.

There is no doubt that a visit to Bruges is a rewarding experience. The city is a sheer pleasure just to wander around, discovering street after street of pretty Flemish buildings, delightful restaurants and bars, and more than its fair share of imposing historic monuments.

The city is also an artist’s delight. With a proud history of culture and artistic excellence, it’s no wonder that so many flock to the many museums scattered around Bruges.

Sports

There are many sports clubs and associations for adults and children, and each province and commune provides facilities and opportunities for participation.

Bruges is traditionally the starting town for the annual Ronde van Vlaanderen cycle race, held in April and one of the biggest sporting events in Belgium.

Transportation

Bruges has an excellent transportation system, composed of waterways, railroad networks, and highways.

Brugge's main railway station is located just two kilometers south of downtown, with connections to all major Belgian cities. Trains travelling to Brussels-Central Station take about an hour to make the journey.

Located northeast of the Belgian capital, Brussels International Airport, also known as Zaventem Airport, is the main point of entry for Brugge, receiving most international flights to the country and located approximately 120kms from the city centre, or 1 hour and 30 minutes by train. Over 180 destinations worldwide are served by flights from Zaventem Airport.

Cycling is a relaxing way of getting around Bruges and is the transport of choice for most locals.