Country Images Magazine North December 2017 | Page 11

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. Th e tower off ers a panoramic view over the city and
surrounding countryside, the reward for the steep climb up 366 steps to the
bells and viewing platform. Th ere 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.
Th e quirky fountain featuring ‘Til’ the Belgian Robin Hood.
As befi ts 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 twelft h 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. Th e 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. Th e ground
fl oor 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. Th ere 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.
Th e old gate in to the City.
Th ere 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. Th ere 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. Th ey 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.