Brugge

We had a leisurely morning and then embarked on a

2½ hour guided walking tour of Brugge.

Our guide Frank was fantastic and

the tour ended up lasting almost 4 hours!

Here are a few of the places we visited with him.

The Gross Markt or Old Market Square

is the main public square in Bruges.

It measures 2½ acres and has a rich history

as well as playing a vital part in present day events.

Historically it was used for public gatherings and trade.

Today you can find restaurants, cafés, stores and market stalls

on the cobbled square which is surrounded by historic buildings.

Perhaps the most well known building in the city,

the Bell Tower or Belfry is on the square.

The north side of the square is bordered by

traditional Flemish gable-roofed houses.

On the east side of the square is the Provincial Court house,

a 19^th century post office building

and historic buildings with a first floor loggia.

Houses on the west side include the Bouchoute house

with a 15^th century screen wall; this is the oldest house in the city.

At the center of the square is a statue of

Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck,

two local heroes from the 1302 resistance movement.

The statue was erected in 1887.

….........................................................................................

The Satdihuis

Bruges’ city hall building dates back to 1376

and has been the seat of local government for over 600 years.

On the façade there are niches featuring the painted statues

of rulers and Biblical figures.

In an obscure corner Adam and can be found in a naughty embrace!

The Gothic Hall has 19^th century murals of historic events,

tapestries and a stunning vaulted oak ceiling.

…...........................................................................................

Basliek van het Heilig-Blood

The Church of the Holy Blood holds a treasured relic

of Christ, the blood of Jesus.

Legend has it that Christ’s blood was collected

in a cloth by Joseph of Arimathea following the Crucifixion.

The cloth stayed in Jerusalem until Crusader King Baldwin II

gave it to his brother in law the Count of Flanders

who brought it to Bruges.

The Holy Blood is kept in a rock-crystal vial

in the Church of the Holy Blood.

…............................................................................................

The Lake of Love or Minnewaterpark is a picturesque park area

with a rectangular lake at its heart.

The lake was named for the tragic romantic legend

of Minna and her lover Stromberg.

Minna was in love with Stromberg who came from a different tribe.

Her father disapproved and planned a marriage

between Minna and another.

Minna ran away into the forest and was found by Stromberg

where she collapsed into his arms and died of exhaustion.

Legend has it that if two lovers walk over the bridge which crosses the lake they will stay together for eternity.

Lovers and others can enjoy the tranquil surroundings;

see the swans on the water and the buildings which border the park.

On the other side of the bridge is

the entrance to the Brugge Beguinage.

In the 13^th to 16^th centuries in northern Europe,

the members of these communities lived as nuns

but without having taken vows so they were free to leave at any time.

This Beguinage was founded in c.1244 by Margaret of Constantinople.

The complex of buildings includes a Gothic-style church

and a row of whitewashed houses from the 16^th -18^th century.

The buildings enclose a central courtyard and

are surrounded by trees and lawns.

Visitors enter the complex via the quaint stone Wijngaard Bridge

and through the main gate created by Hendrik Bultynck in 1776.

Since 1927 the Beguinage has been a Benedictine convent

and the peaceful atmosphere is still preserved;

visitors are urged to keep their voices down.

During our visit to the church in the complex

the nuns were chanting vespers.

It was a very moving experience.

….....................................................................................

The rest of these photos were taken today too...

I really liked this sculpture of Papageno

a character from the opera The Magic Flute

by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

He is a bird-catcher who sells his birds to the Queen of the Night.

…....................................................................

This stone carving is on The Tanner's Square

It was in an area that was full of dreadful odours,

the fish mongers and butchers were also located in this area.

There was no refrigeration or even ice available

at the time and this fellow is indicating his

displeasure of the odour.

…........................................................................

The beautiful canals.

…........................................................................

A few more taken around town...

Today we walked 14.8 k's!