Your Essential Travel Guide To Bruges

Bruges is the capital of West Flanders in the Flemish region of Belgium. It’s known as the Venice of the North, thanks to its strong bond with the sea and its interconnection of canals. Here are some interesting facts about the city:

• Origin: Bruges was part of the Roman Empire until the 5th century. The Romans built a road on the sand ridge along the coastal plain, which meets the River Reie, and present-day Bruges arose in this location.
• The Counts of Flanders: With the settlement of Baldwin I, the first Count of Flanders, Bruges became a leading trading hub during the 9th century. The world’s first stock exchange occurred here, making the city one of the most important in Northwest Europe.
• The Golden Age: The Dukes of Burgundy settled in Bruges in the 14th century. They were famous for their refined taste and helped the city become a production centre for luxury goods.
• The decline: Bruges suffered a decline in the 15th century following the death of the Duchess Mary of Burgundy. The city underwent years of war and changes in power, fuelled by religious and political differences.
• The revival: After Belgium’s independence in 1830, Bruges was the centre of important innovations. It was connected to the Belgian railway network, and many of its historic Gothic buildings were restored.