Think Bruges for a Spring trip

 Thinking of visiting Europe? Consider Bruges (Brugge in Dutch) this spring; it is a fairy-tale medieval town in the northwest of Belgium often referred to as “The Venice of the North.” Wandering the cobbled streets past medieval buildings and canals is a step into the past. It is one of Europe’s best preserved cities. 

1. Getting acquainted: The best way to soak in the ambiance of the city is by walking around. The streets and laneways are well marked and there are plenty of walking maps in hotel lobbies, cafes and also from one of the three tourist offices. 
2. Canal Boat Tour: One of the easiest ways to see the city is from the water.  It is designed for picture-taking with overhanging willow trees, bridges, historic homes, and swans. The canals pass through the historic area and the ride is very romantic.
3. The Belfry: It is “only” 366 steps to the top of the 272-foot Belfry but the dazzling view of the city is worth it. The building dates back to the 13th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Originally it was built as part of the medieval town hall with a carillon with its 47 impressive bells. 

4. Basilica of the Holy Blood: Joseph of Armiathea brought the blood of Christ to Belgium from the Holy Land. At certain hours every day visitors can get in line to touch or kiss the cloth with the holy blood.  Architecturally the basilica is interesting. The treasury room has the jewel-studded reliquary which is part of Bruges’ large annual parade on Ascension Day.
5. Church of Our Lady: Only one of Michelangelo’s sculptures left Italy during his lifetime and it is in Bruges.

The sculpture is of Mary holding the infant Jesus and is different from some of his others in that it shows Mary looking lovingly at Jesus. Appropriately, it is located in the Church of Our Lady. 
6. Salvador Dali: The Museum-Gallery Xpo: Salvador Dali, located in the Cloth Halls, is home to an amazing collection of works by Dali. It is an audiovisual spectacle that highlights not only Dali’s work but his character and vision of life. It is an unforgettable as his works.

7. Lace Center: Bruges is world renowned for its lace. The Lace Center is located in an old lace school run by the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. The multimedia displays explain the types of lace, the industry, along with demonstrations and various courses. There are plenty of lace stores displaying all types and sizes of lace for sale.
8. Chocolate: Lace isn’t the only thing the city is noted for. The

Chocolate Museum has everything you wanted to know about chocolate from its beginnings in the Americas to today.  Learn why Belgian chocolate is considered to be healthy and of high quality. The tour ends with a demonstration and tasting.  There are plenty of places to buy chocolate.
9. Beer: There is only one brewery in the center of the city – Halve Maan Brewery. The family business stretches back six generations to 1856.Try their famous Bruges Zot (Brugge Fool) named after a visit by Maximilian of Austria who declared Bruges to be “one large madhouse.”

10. And: Don’t miss the Groeninge Museum, strolling through the market, and the small commune of Beguinage.  For many the secret is already out; during the busy summer months, you'll be sharing Bruges' magic with a constant stream of tourists in the medieval core. The best time to visit is in spring.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

World Heritage Sites have been deemed to be of such important cultural and natural value that they need to be preserved and protected for future generations to enjoy. John and I have visited these and many others, the rest are all on my “Bucket List!” For more location on the World Heritage list check whc.unesco.org or www.worldheritagesite.org.

1. The Statue of Liberty: A must visit for all Americans. It has become a symbol of freedom to people all over the world. A gift from France, the Roman Goddess of Freedom sits on Liberty Island in New York Harbor and has welcomed thousands of immigrants to our shore.

2. Iguazu National Park, Argentina and Brazil: The spectacular Iguazu waterfalls are located in a tropical rainforest forming the border between Argentina and Brazil. The falls are 265 high and nearly 9000 feet long and made up of many cascades.

3. Brugge, Belgium: The quaint city of Brugge is an excellent example of a place that has preserved its historic center with many Gothic buildings clustered around the town square. One of the many fascinating things to see is the Michelangelo’s “Madonna and Child” in the Church of Our Lady.

4. Angkor Wat, Cambodia: Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. The massive site has the remains of the various capitals of the Khmer Empire that spanned from the 9th to the 15th century. Most impressive is Ta Prohm Temple with huge roots laced around the buildings.

5. The Rideau Canal, Canada: The 125-mile canal system was constructed during the 1800s. The system connects Ottawa, Canada’s capital to Kingston on Lake Ontario. The 1800s was the canal building era in North America and the Rideau is the only canal from the era that is still fully operational with most of its structures still in use.

6. Easter Island, Chile: The island, also known as Rapa Nui, was most likely settled by Polynesians around AD 300. They established a culture that was free from outside contact for several centuries during which they carved enormous stone figures called moai. How they were able to do this and why is still the topic of much controversy.

7. Prague, Czech Republic: Prague is home to many historical structures that span from the 11th to the 18th century including Hradcani Castle high on the hill above the Vltava, the Charles Bridge and the amazing Astronomical Clock. Many of the buildings were erected in the 14th century during the time of Charles IV, the Holy Roman Emperor.
.
8. Machu Picchu, Peru: The Inca city high in the Andes has jaw-dropping views of the valleys below. Referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas” there is still a debate as to the exact purpose of the difficult to reach site. It is one of the few places not discovered and looted by the Spanish Explorers.

9. Bath, England: Founded by the Romans as a thermal spa, Bath became an important center during in the Middle Ages. Bath is the oldest of England’s principal tourist destinations and has been welcoming visitors for centuries

10. Hoi An, Vietnam: Hoi An was a trading town from the 10th to the 19th century. Because the old city escaped the ravages of the wars it is well preserved and shows the influence of local and foreign cultures.

Visit Bruges - A World Heritage Site

It is difficult to sum up Bruges (or Brugge) in a few words. The famed UNESCO World Heritage Site has medieval streets to wander, canals to explore, art to admire, and an entrancing charm that makes it one of Europe’s best-loved cities. Called the Venice of the North, Bruges is one of the world’s best-preserved medieval cities with over 600 years of history. Bruges:

1. Get acquainted: The historic center of the city is easy to navigate on foot but the best introduction to Bruges is achieved by hopping on the City Bus Tour departing from Market Square every hour on the hour. The 50-minute get-acquainted tour of the city stops at all the most important places in the city.

2. Canal Tour: The magic of Bruges comes shining through on a 30-minute, multi-lingual boat ride on the picturesque canals, where one can admire the city’s most beautiful sites from a totally different angle and learn the history of the city.

3. Market Square: The lively Market Square is always busy with shoppers and tourists. People watching is fun and the Market Square is the place to do it, it is also then to dine, but everyone should just sit in one of the cafes or restaurants and admire the gabled medieval buildings.

4. Belfry Tower: The 47-bell carillon in the 272-foot Belfry Tower peals out over the city every 15 minutes. Its lower section dates from 1240, with the corner turrets added in the 14th century and the upper, octagonal section in the 15th century.

5. Groeninge Museum: If there is only time for one museum it should be the Groeninge Museum with an excellent collection of Flemish medieval paintings. The Groeninge ranks among Belgium's leading museums of fine arts, with a collection that covers paintings in the Low Countries from the 15th to the 20th centuries.

6. Church of Our Lady: The gothic Church of our Lady is well worth the visit to see the small marble statue of Michelangelo's Madonna and Child. It is the only known piece of Michaelangelo's artwork to leave Italy during his lifetime.

7. The Fools: Visit the Halve Maan Brewery for a taste of Bruges Zot, Brugge Fool, the only beer brewed in the town center. While Bruges Zot may be the newest brew, the brewery as been around since the 1500, and in use in "modern" times since 1856.

8. Yummy! Everything you wanted to know about chocolate including the evolution of hot chocolate from its first known uses by the Incas and Aztecs is found at the Chocolate Museum. The tour ends with a chocolate making demonstration and a yummy sample.

9. Lace: One special remembrance to take home it has to be something made of lace. Before making a purchase learn about the lace at the lace museum. It is combination workshop, museum, and sales room where the ancient art of lace making is passed on to the next generation.

10. Day trips: Making Bruges home base for exploring the area is a great idea. The most popular day trips are to Flanders. For a do-it-yourself trip visit Damme, a pretty and historic village less than five miles from Bruges.

There is plenty more to see and do in Bruges. Visit the Town Hall, Diamond Museum, Folklore Museum, Memling Museum, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. For more information check www.brugge.be.