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a World Heritage Site. TripAdvisor traveller comment:“ 366 steps up and the same down! But when you get to the top and see the city from that point, it’ s worth it.”
5. Town Hall( Stadhuis) – built in 1376, the city has been governed from this building for more than 700 years. Inside is the Town Hall’ s 19th century Gothic Chamber and painted figures that shed light on the city’ s past can be seen. TripAdvisor traveller comment:“ The outside of this building is beautiful, but there is so much more on the inside!”
6. Beguinage( Begijnhof) – just behind the Minnewater lies the Beguinage‘ De Wijngaard’( the Vineyard). The Beguinage is a group of houses around a little garden covered with large poplar trees. It was here that during the last seven centuries lived the beguines of Bruges. In 1937 the beguinage became a monastery for the Benedictine sisters who still live here now. TripAdvisor traveller comment:“ So quiet and peaceful here. Nice break from the hustle and bustle of Markt and Burg. Lots of opportunities for photos. Just beautiful.”
7. Groeninge Museum – an art gallery which houses a permanent collection of six centuries of art. Highlights include the world famous collection of Flemish Primitive paintings, renaissance and baroque pieces and a varied selection from the collection of post-war modern art. TripAdvisor traveller comment:“ The museum has an outstanding collection of medieval paintings including some well-known works by Van Eyck and Van der Weyden. Well worth seeing.”
8. Burg – the smaller of the two town squares in Bruges, the Burg is the heart of the administrative Bruges. TripAdvisor traveller comment:“ This is a brilliant place. You can move through the evolution of the last 900-1000 years of building in just a small square.”
9. The Markt – Next to the Burg is the Markt, this larger market square in Bruges, is the medieval commercial centre of the city and is filled with restaurants and gift shops. TripAdvisor traveller comment:“ We spent a lot of time around The Markt just soaking up the atmosphere. It’ s really a wonderful spot just to sit over a drink.”
10. Church of Our Lady( Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk) – this church features a 122m spire and what is claimed to be the only Michaelangelo statue to have left Italy in his lifetime. TripAdvisor traveller comment:“ Definitely on the list of must see attractions in Bruges. Free to go in with friendly helpful guides on offer.” ■
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For more information on Bruges, go to:
http:// www. tripadvisor. co. uk / Tourism-g188671-Bruges _ West _ Flanders _ Province-Vacations. html
In the next edition TripAdvisor will be looking at the top ten B & Bs in Paris.
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* List is selected according to the TripAdvisor Popularity Index
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