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Bruges Bruges has most of its medieval architecture intact. There are many beautiful medieval buildings, including the Church of Our Lady, whose brick spire - at 122m - is Europe's highest brick tower/building.Bruges is also famous for its 13th-century Belfry, housing a municipal Carillon comprising 47 bells. The city still employs a full-time bell ringer, Aimé Lombaért, who puts on regular free concerts.Other famous buildings in Bruges include the Beguinage, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the modern Concert Building and the Old St-John's Hospital. The historic centre of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Bruges also has a very fine collection of medieval and early modern art, including the world-famous collection of Flemish Primitives. Various masters, such as Hans Memling and Jan van Eyck, lived and worked in Bruges. The relic of the Holy Blood, which was brought to the city during the First Crusade, is paraded every year through the streets of the city. More than 1,600 inhabitants take part in this mile-long religious procession, many dressed as medieval knights or crusaders. In the Church of Our Lady. you can admire the sculpture of Madonna and Child, which can be seen in the transept, is believed to be Michelangelo's only sculpture to have left Italy within his lifetime. Several beers are named after Bruges, such as Brugse Tripel, Brugs Blond, Brugs Witbier and Straffe Hendrik. However, only Brugse Zot is brewed in the city itself in the Halve Maan Brewery. Bruges is home to the College of Europe, a prestigious institution of postgraduate studies in European Economics, Law and Politics. |
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