Overlooking the Market Square , or Markt as it is known locally , stands the Belfry or Belfort tower . Built in the thirteenth century to symbolise Bruges ’ prosperity , the medieval bell tower rises to a height of 83 metres ( 266 feet ) above the square . The tower offers a panoramic view over the city and surrounding countryside , the reward for the steep climb up 366 steps to the bells and viewing platform . There are 47 bells in the carillon that is rung to give the time throughout the day , in addition to special concerts from time to time .
The quirky fountain featuring ‘ Til ’ the Belgian Robin Hood .
As befits a medieval city , Bruges has a number of museums and art galleries , the best being the Groeningemuseum covering six centuries of art , with masterpieces from the twelfth century up to the present day . It includes paintings by the likes of Jan van Eyck and Hieronymus Bosch alongside examples of more modern work . The other recommended museum is the Kantcentrum where you can follow the history of Bruges lace , which is still one of the most important products coming from the city . The ground floor of the museum shows how lace making developed from the sixteenth century onwards and there are regular demonstrations held in the workshops attached to the museum . In a lighter vein , the Chocolademuseum on the corner of St Jaansplein square is a must for all lovers of Belgian chocolates .
Probably the most photographed place in Bruges is the view of the canal with Belfort tower in the background from the old quayside at Rozenhoedkaai ( the Quay of the Rosary ). In medieval days it was a busy mooring place for ships carrying salt into the city . There are several attractive restaurants with verandas overhanging the canal along which tour boats now cruise , following the route where the old traders once plied their trade . As an alternative to walking , or as well as because it gives an alternative view , a ride along the canal is an ideal way to explore the old byways and backs of picturesque houses .
The old gate in to the City .
There are several short walks on the free city map , all explore the twists and turns of this fascinating city . We chose one of the longer routes , simply because much of its length it runs along the canal bank where four restored windmills make an interesting feature . There were once 23 mills built along the town walls in the sixteenth century . All have now disappeared and the four that remain have been brought in from the nearby Flanders countryside . They line the east bank of the canal between the old and new crossings at Kruispoort and Damspoort . No longer grinding corn , they are a tangible link with the old days . All are more or less made to an identical design , but the one most people feel is a ‘ must ’ to see , is the Nieuwe Papagaai ( the new parrot ), so named from the wooden parrot on its roof . Why anyone thought of this , can only be put as an example of the quirky Belgian sense of humour .
Brian and his wife Sheila travelled to Bruges for the Bruges Winter Market with Slacks Travel of Matlock , travelling by coach and through the Channel Tunnel .
One of the restored windmills on the Zeebrugge Canal .
Towers dominate the skyline in Brugess .