Boat Cruise, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

Architecture

Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

Architecture

Bridge, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

Architecture

Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

Architecture

View with the canals of Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

Architecture - View from the canals

View with the canals of Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

Architecture - View from the canals

View with the canals of Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

Architecture - View from the canals

View with the canals of Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

Architecture - View from the canals

The Belfry of Bruges, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

The Belfry of Bruges (Dutch: Belfort van Brugge) is a medieval bell tower in the centre of Bruges, Belgium. One of the city's most prominent symbols, the belfry formerly housed a treasury and the municipal archives, and served as an observation post for spotting fires and other dangers. A poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, titled "The Belfry of Bruges," refers to the building's checkered history: In the market-place of Bruges stands the belfry old and brown; Thrice consumed and thrice rebuilded, still it watches o'er the town. A narrow, steep staircase of 366 steps, accessible by the public for an entry fee, leads to the top of the 83 m (272 feet) high building, which leans 87 centimeters to the east. To the sides and back of the tower stands the former market hall, a rectangular building only 44 m broad but 84 m deep, with an inner courtyard. The belfry, accordingly, is also known as the Halletoren (tower of the halls). Since 1999, the belfry has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a part of the Belfries of Belgium and France serial property. In addition, it is a key component of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the historic centre of Bruges, inscribed in 2000.

The Markt, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

The Markt (Dutch for "Market") is the central square of Bruges, West Flanders, Belgium. It is located in the heart of the city and covers an area of about 1 ha (2.5 acres). Some historical highlights around the Markt include the 12th-century Belfry and the Provincial Court (originally the Waterhall, which in 1787 was demolished and replaced by a classicist building, which from 1850, served as provincial court, and after a fire in 1878, was rebuilt in a neo-Gothic style in 1887). In the centre of the square stands a statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck. The Markt was completely renovated in 1995–96. Parking spaces on the square were removed and the area became mostly traffic-free, thus being more celebration friendly. The renovated square was reopened in 1996 with a concert by Helmut Lotti.

The Markt, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

The Markt (Dutch for "Market") is the central square of Bruges, West Flanders, Belgium. It is located in the heart of the city and covers an area of about 1 ha (2.5 acres). Some historical highlights around the Markt include the 12th-century Belfry and the Provincial Court (originally the Waterhall, which in 1787 was demolished and replaced by a classicist building, which from 1850, served as provincial court, and after a fire in 1878, was rebuilt in a neo-Gothic style in 1887). In the centre of the square stands a statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck. The Markt was completely renovated in 1995–96. Parking spaces on the square were removed and the area became mostly traffic-free, thus being more celebration friendly. The renovated square was reopened in 1996 with a concert by Helmut Lotti.

The Belfry of Bruges, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

The Belfry of Bruges (Dutch: Belfort van Brugge) is a medieval bell tower in the centre of Bruges, Belgium. One of the city's most prominent symbols, the belfry formerly housed a treasury and the municipal archives, and served as an observation post for spotting fires and other dangers. A poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, titled "The Belfry of Bruges," refers to the building's checkered history: In the market-place of Bruges stands the belfry old and brown; Thrice consumed and thrice rebuilded, still it watches o'er the town. A narrow, steep staircase of 366 steps, accessible by the public for an entry fee, leads to the top of the 83 m (272 feet) high building, which leans 87 centimeters to the east. To the sides and back of the tower stands the former market hall, a rectangular building only 44 m broad but 84 m deep, with an inner courtyard. The belfry, accordingly, is also known as the Halletoren (tower of the halls). Since 1999, the belfry has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a part of the Belfries of Belgium and France serial property. In addition, it is a key component of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the historic centre of Bruges, inscribed in 2000.

The Belfry of Bruges, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

The Belfry of Bruges (Dutch: Belfort van Brugge) is a medieval bell tower in the centre of Bruges, Belgium. One of the city's most prominent symbols, the belfry formerly housed a treasury and the municipal archives, and served as an observation post for spotting fires and other dangers. A poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, titled "The Belfry of Bruges," refers to the building's checkered history: In the market-place of Bruges stands the belfry old and brown; Thrice consumed and thrice rebuilded, still it watches o'er the town. A narrow, steep staircase of 366 steps, accessible by the public for an entry fee, leads to the top of the 83 m (272 feet) high building, which leans 87 centimeters to the east. To the sides and back of the tower stands the former market hall, a rectangular building only 44 m broad but 84 m deep, with an inner courtyard. The belfry, accordingly, is also known as the Halletoren (tower of the halls). Since 1999, the belfry has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a part of the Belfries of Belgium and France serial property. In addition, it is a key component of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the historic centre of Bruges, inscribed in 2000.

View of Brügge from the Belfry, Bruges, Belgium

The Belfry of Bruges - View

View of Brügge from the Belfry, Bruges, Belgium

The Belfry of Bruges - View

View of Brügge from the Belfry, Bruges, Belgium

The Belfry of Bruges - View

View of Brügge from the Belfry, Bruges, Belgium

The Belfry of Bruges - View

View of Brügge from the Belfry, Bruges, Belgium

The Belfry of Bruges - View

View of Brügge from the Belfry, Bruges, Belgium

The Belfry of Bruges - View

View of Brügge from the Belfry, Bruges, Belgium

The Belfry of Bruges - View

View of Brügge from the Belfry, Bruges, Belgium

The Belfry of Bruges - View

View of Brügge from the Belfry, Bruges, Belgium

The Belfry of Bruges - View

View with the canals of Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

Architecture - View from the canals

Church of Our Lady Bruges, Onze Lieve Vrouw Brugge, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

Church of Our Lady The Church of Our Lady has a long construction history. The first Romanesque church was probably built on this site between 850 and 875 CE. All that remains is a foundation wall. An early gothic nave was added in the 12th century, around which an ambulatory and chapels in the classic French gothic style were built. The church was refurbished and the interior renovated during the subsequent centuries. A chapel is said to have stood on this site before 900 CE. In the centuries that followed, this impressive gothic edifice, with the second tallest brickwork tower in the world, was built here. The church survived fires and was even publicly auctioned during the French Revolution. Throughout this time, the church continued to be a house of prayer and a final resting place for several prominent citizens of Bruges. Anxious to secure their place in the afterlife, they praised God with tomb paintings, memorial scenes and altarpieces, which they commissioned from the best artists. You will discover it all when you explore the church. Along with many other highlights, such as Michelangelo's Madonna, the prayer chapel of Lodewijk of Gruuthuse, and the tombs of Mary of Burgundy and her father Charles the Bold.

Church of Our Lady Bruges, Onze Lieve Vrouw Brugge, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

Church of Our Lady The Church of Our Lady has a long construction history. The first Romanesque church was probably built on this site between 850 and 875 CE. All that remains is a foundation wall. An early gothic nave was added in the 12th century, around which an ambulatory and chapels in the classic French gothic style were built. The church was refurbished and the interior renovated during the subsequent centuries. A chapel is said to have stood on this site before 900 CE. In the centuries that followed, this impressive gothic edifice, with the second tallest brickwork tower in the world, was built here. The church survived fires and was even publicly auctioned during the French Revolution. Throughout this time, the church continued to be a house of prayer and a final resting place for several prominent citizens of Bruges. Anxious to secure their place in the afterlife, they praised God with tomb paintings, memorial scenes and altarpieces, which they commissioned from the best artists. You will discover it all when you explore the church. Along with many other highlights, such as Michelangelo's Madonna, the prayer chapel of Lodewijk of Gruuthuse, and the tombs of Mary of Burgundy and her father Charles the Bold.

Church of Our Lady Bruges, Onze Lieve Vrouw Brugge, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

Church of Our Lady The Church of Our Lady has a long construction history. The first Romanesque church was probably built on this site between 850 and 875 CE. All that remains is a foundation wall. An early gothic nave was added in the 12th century, around which an ambulatory and chapels in the classic French gothic style were built. The church was refurbished and the interior renovated during the subsequent centuries. A chapel is said to have stood on this site before 900 CE. In the centuries that followed, this impressive gothic edifice, with the second tallest brickwork tower in the world, was built here. The church survived fires and was even publicly auctioned during the French Revolution. Throughout this time, the church continued to be a house of prayer and a final resting place for several prominent citizens of Bruges. Anxious to secure their place in the afterlife, they praised God with tomb paintings, memorial scenes and altarpieces, which they commissioned from the best artists. You will discover it all when you explore the church. Along with many other highlights, such as Michelangelo's Madonna, the prayer chapel of Lodewijk of Gruuthuse, and the tombs of Mary of Burgundy and her father Charles the Bold.

Church of Our Lady Bruges, Onze Lieve Vrouw Brugge, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

Church of Our Lady Hendrik van Minderhout 1701-1710 - Bruges Oil on canvas This painting shows us what the church would have looked like in the 17th century. The rood screen, with the large cross, which separates the nave from the choir, is especially noteworthy. It dates from the end of the 16th century but made way for the current, Baroque rood screen in the 18th century. The pulpit is also different from the one you see today.

Relic Ex Brachio of St. Anthony the Abbot, Church of Our Lady Bruges, Onze Lieve Vrouw Brugge, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

Church of Our Lady Relic Ex Brachio of St. Anthony the Abbot Andreas Petyt 18th century - Bruges Copper This reliquary contains a piece of arm bone from St. Anthony the Abbot. St. Anthony the Abbot (251-356) is a saint of early Christendom. He retreated to the desert to devote himself to prayer. After a while, he was joined by other hermits, who he began to teach. Hence he is considered the patron saint of monastic life. He is also invoked against infectious diseases such as the plague. In 1531, Bruges chose him as Patron against the Plague, the saint who had to protect the city against this terrible epidemic. You can see a sculpture of him to the left of the reliquary.

The Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor, Church of Our Lady Bruges, Onze Lieve Vrouw Brugge, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

Church of Our Lady The Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor Gerard David 1505 - Bruges Oil on panel This work by Gerard David depicts the transfiguration on Mount Tabor, a biblical scene. When Jesus climbs Mount Tabor along with the apostles Peter, John and James, his face starts to shine like the sun and his clothes take on a bright white glow. The light is so bright that the apostles are unable to look at it, and they fall to the ground in fear. Jesus is flanked by the prophets Moses and Elijah. Above them appears God the Father, who recognizes Jesus as His son. The side panels are not as old as the centre panel. Pieter Pourbus painted them in 1573, commissioned by the couple Anselmus de Boodt and Johanna Voet. He portrayed them with their children. Pourbus has adapted his style to that of David - and so the landscape is continuous, just like the clouds.

Painted Graves, Church of Our Lady Bruges, Onze Lieve Vrouw Brugge, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

Church of Our Lady Painted Graves

Church of Our Lady Bruges, Onze Lieve Vrouw Brugge, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

Church of Our Lady

Church of Our Lady Bruges, Onze Lieve Vrouw Brugge, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

Church of Our Lady Madonna Michelangelo 1506-Firenz Marble Only one of Michelangelo's soulptures left italy during his Welime, this Madonne and Child, Jean Mouscron & scion of a wealthy Bruges based family of cloth traders, purchased the work from Michelangelo in 1500 for the sum of 100 dvests, in 1514, it was installed in a soulpted alter in the south nave of the Church of Our Lady, Several members of the Mouscron family are buried at the foot of the altar. They stipulated in a document that the soulpture should never be moved, but history decided otherw Napoleon seized the Madonna for his National Museum in Paris. The statue returned to Bruges in 1815, after his defeat at Waterloo, During World War I, the Madonne was stolen & second time. This time, Hider wanted it for his large museum in Linz The Allied Monuments Men recovered the soulpture, along with several other valuable anworks, from the Altaussee salt mines in Austria.

Church of Our Lady Bruges, Onze Lieve Vrouw Brugge, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

Church of Our Lady Madonna Michelangelo 1506-Firenz Marble Only one of Michelangelo's soulptures left italy during his Welime, this Madonne and Child, Jean Mouscron & scion of a wealthy Bruges based family of cloth traders, purchased the work from Michelangelo in 1500 for the sum of 100 dvests, in 1514, it was installed in a soulpted alter in the south nave of the Church of Our Lady, Several members of the Mouscron family are buried at the foot of the altar. They stipulated in a document that the soulpture should never be moved, but history decided otherw Napoleon seized the Madonna for his National Museum in Paris. The statue returned to Bruges in 1815, after his defeat at Waterloo, During World War I, the Madonne was stolen & second time. This time, Hider wanted it for his large museum in Linz The Allied Monuments Men recovered the soulpture, along with several other valuable anworks, from the Altaussee salt mines in Austria.

Church of Our Lady Bruges, Onze Lieve Vrouw Brugge, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

Church of Our Lady Madonna Michelangelo 1506-Firenz Marble Only one of Michelangelo's soulptures left italy during his Welime, this Madonne and Child, Jean Mouscron & scion of a wealthy Bruges based family of cloth traders, purchased the work from Michelangelo in 1500 for the sum of 100 dvests, in 1514, it was installed in a soulpted alter in the south nave of the Church of Our Lady, Several members of the Mouscron family are buried at the foot of the altar. They stipulated in a document that the soulpture should never be moved, but history decided otherw Napoleon seized the Madonna for his National Museum in Paris. The statue returned to Bruges in 1815, after his defeat at Waterloo, During World War I, the Madonne was stolen & second time. This time, Hider wanted it for his large museum in Linz The Allied Monuments Men recovered the soulpture, along with several other valuable anworks, from the Altaussee salt mines in Austria.

Church of Our Lady Bruges, Onze Lieve Vrouw Brugge, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

Church of Our Lady Madonna Michelangelo 1506-Firenz Marble Only one of Michelangelo's soulptures left italy during his Welime, this Madonne and Child, Jean Mouscron & scion of a wealthy Bruges based family of cloth traders, purchased the work from Michelangelo in 1500 for the sum of 100 dvests, in 1514, it was installed in a soulpted alter in the south nave of the Church of Our Lady, Several members of the Mouscron family are buried at the foot of the altar. They stipulated in a document that the soulpture should never be moved, but history decided otherw Napoleon seized the Madonna for his National Museum in Paris. The statue returned to Bruges in 1815, after his defeat at Waterloo, During World War I, the Madonne was stolen & second time. This time, Hider wanted it for his large museum in Linz The Allied Monuments Men recovered the soulpture, along with several other valuable anworks, from the Altaussee salt mines in Austria.

The Calling of Matthew, Church of Our Lady Bruges, Onze Lieve Vrouw Brugge, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

Church of Our Lady The Calling of Matthew Jacob van Oost I 1640 - Bruges Oil on panel Matthew was a tax collector. One day, Jesus walked by and told him 'Come and follow me'. Jacob van Oost portrays this moment beautifully. From the edge of the composition, Jesus beckons to Matthew, who is seated at a table, surrounded by his co-workers. Matthew's hand rests on his chest and he is looking up in surprise. 'Do you mean me?', he seems to be saying. Most of the other characters in the painting are unaware of what just happened and continue to go work diligently. The young man in the foreground did hear Jesus, however, and also seems to want to get up. Matthew decides to follow Jesus and become one of his twelve apostles. This work is based on a Caravaggio painting that Jacob van Oost had seen in Rome.

Historium Bruges Museum, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

The Markt, Historium Bruges Museum Fictional characters tell a story in medieval Bruges at this unique museum with audio guides.

Historium Bruges Museum, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

The Markt, Historium Bruges Museum Fictional characters tell a story in medieval Bruges at this unique museum with audio guides.

Historium Bruges Museum, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

The Markt, Historium Bruges Museum Fictional characters tell a story in medieval Bruges at this unique museum with audio guides.

The Belfry of Bruges, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

The Belfry of Bruges (Dutch: Belfort van Brugge) is a medieval bell tower in the centre of Bruges, Belgium. One of the city's most prominent symbols, the belfry formerly housed a treasury and the municipal archives, and served as an observation post for spotting fires and other dangers. A poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, titled "The Belfry of Bruges," refers to the building's checkered history: In the market-place of Bruges stands the belfry old and brown; Thrice consumed and thrice rebuilded, still it watches o'er the town. A narrow, steep staircase of 366 steps, accessible by the public for an entry fee, leads to the top of the 83 m (272 feet) high building, which leans 87 centimeters to the east. To the sides and back of the tower stands the former market hall, a rectangular building only 44 m broad but 84 m deep, with an inner courtyard. The belfry, accordingly, is also known as the Halletoren (tower of the halls). Since 1999, the belfry has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a part of the Belfries of Belgium and France serial property. In addition, it is a key component of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the historic centre of Bruges, inscribed in 2000.

The Belfry of Bruges, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

The Belfry of Bruges (Dutch: Belfort van Brugge) is a medieval bell tower in the centre of Bruges, Belgium. One of the city's most prominent symbols, the belfry formerly housed a treasury and the municipal archives, and served as an observation post for spotting fires and other dangers. A poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, titled "The Belfry of Bruges," refers to the building's checkered history: In the market-place of Bruges stands the belfry old and brown; Thrice consumed and thrice rebuilded, still it watches o'er the town. A narrow, steep staircase of 366 steps, accessible by the public for an entry fee, leads to the top of the 83 m (272 feet) high building, which leans 87 centimeters to the east. To the sides and back of the tower stands the former market hall, a rectangular building only 44 m broad but 84 m deep, with an inner courtyard. The belfry, accordingly, is also known as the Halletoren (tower of the halls). Since 1999, the belfry has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a part of the Belfries of Belgium and France serial property. In addition, it is a key component of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the historic centre of Bruges, inscribed in 2000.

The Belfry of Bruges, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

The Belfry of Bruges (Dutch: Belfort van Brugge) is a medieval bell tower in the centre of Bruges, Belgium. One of the city's most prominent symbols, the belfry formerly housed a treasury and the municipal archives, and served as an observation post for spotting fires and other dangers. A poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, titled "The Belfry of Bruges," refers to the building's checkered history: In the market-place of Bruges stands the belfry old and brown; Thrice consumed and thrice rebuilded, still it watches o'er the town. A narrow, steep staircase of 366 steps, accessible by the public for an entry fee, leads to the top of the 83 m (272 feet) high building, which leans 87 centimeters to the east. To the sides and back of the tower stands the former market hall, a rectangular building only 44 m broad but 84 m deep, with an inner courtyard. The belfry, accordingly, is also known as the Halletoren (tower of the halls). Since 1999, the belfry has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a part of the Belfries of Belgium and France serial property. In addition, it is a key component of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the historic centre of Bruges, inscribed in 2000.

The Markt, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

The Markt (Dutch for "Market") is the central square of Bruges, West Flanders, Belgium. It is located in the heart of the city and covers an area of about 1 ha (2.5 acres). Some historical highlights around the Markt include the 12th-century Belfry and the Provincial Court (originally the Waterhall, which in 1787 was demolished and replaced by a classicist building, which from 1850, served as provincial court, and after a fire in 1878, was rebuilt in a neo-Gothic style in 1887). In the centre of the square stands a statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck. The Markt was completely renovated in 1995–96. Parking spaces on the square were removed and the area became mostly traffic-free, thus being more celebration friendly. The renovated square was reopened in 1996 with a concert by Helmut Lotti.

The Markt, Brügge, Bruges, Belgium

The Markt (Dutch for "Market") is the central square of Bruges, West Flanders, Belgium. It is located in the heart of the city and covers an area of about 1 ha (2.5 acres). Some historical highlights around the Markt include the 12th-century Belfry and the Provincial Court (originally the Waterhall, which in 1787 was demolished and replaced by a classicist building, which from 1850, served as provincial court, and after a fire in 1878, was rebuilt in a neo-Gothic style in 1887). In the centre of the square stands a statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck. The Markt was completely renovated in 1995–96. Parking spaces on the square were removed and the area became mostly traffic-free, thus being more celebration friendly. The renovated square was reopened in 1996 with a concert by Helmut Lotti.