BRUGES, Belgium -- The Jewel of Flanders

Bruges is one of the most beautiful of the medieval cities of Europe. It is called “The Venice of the North.” It is crossed by canals, the main ring of which encloses the historic center. Walking the cobbled streets and looking at the lovely gabled houses casting reflections in the water is a true experience.

Bruges was a major commercial center for the wool industry in the eleventh century, and by the late thirteenth century it was the main link to Mediterranean trade. It also became a major financial center and in 1309 the Bourse opened making this city the most sophisticated money market in the entire area.

By the sixteenth century, Bruges had split from the Netherlands and the port of Antwerp had taken over much of its trade. The foreign merchants had gradually moved to Antwerp, laying the foundation for this Flemish harbor town’s Golden 16^th Century.

Hard times lay ahead for this once prosperous town. Bruges lay dormant for the next four centuries. When in the eighteenth century, the industrial revolution started transforming the outside world, the wind of change did not occur in Bruges. There was no money, no entrepreneurial spirit, and no machinery to demolish the old buildings and erect new factories. Everything stayed as it was in Bruges. Many monuments and historical stood the test of time, making it the beautiful town it is today-a typical Middle Age Flemish town. In the year 2000, UNESCO declared the old town within the city walls a World Heritage site.

The Bruges Market Square is not to be missed, and is the meeting place for the “BRUGGELINGS” as the locals are called. The Belfry dominates the Market Square.  A belfry was a symbol of freedom and wealth in the Middle Ages. Almost the entire left side of the Market Square is taken up by the Provincial Palace-the official residence of the governor of the province of West Flanders. Include also in your tour of the city the Groeninge Museum and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Horse and buggy rides are available for tourists and locals as a way of getting around town and savoring the sites.

 Much fine art and architecture can be found in this town, including a sculpture of the Madonna by Michelangelo in the Church of Our Lady (which church has the highest brick spire in Europe).

For total peace and quiet, a trip on the canal is highly recommended, or a quiet corner with one of the 350 or more brands of beer found here. The river cruise takes visitors along the picturesque canals and under enchanting bridges.  The “Groenerei” or “Green Canal” is a favorite route for these cruises, and includes panoramic view of the old bridges with the Belfry in the background.

Moules and fine chocolates are the specialties of the area, and also fine needlepoint and delicate lace products.

Bruges by night is a return to the past, with its magical reflections in the waters of the canals of the imposing buildings.

It is hardly surprising that in recent decades, this town has worked its way up to become Belgium’s best-known tourist center, It is a pulsating town with a population of about 115,000 locals. About 25,000 live in the center itself.  It is a  photographer’s paradise with its beautiful architecture, its canals and boats, its bridges and quaint shops. I highly recommend a visit to this special place any time of the year. I was there in the winter, with snow on the ground, Christmas decorations in the windows, the smell of home cooking, and the wonderful sites to see.