Bruges – The Fairytale city of Belgium.

It’s far past the time I should have started writing about and posting pictures of our time in Europe.. about 3 years past the time.

Oh well, these cities and countries and timeless; and what better time to reminisce and look back on past travel adventures than amidst the apocalyptic world of Covid-19 that we are all trapped in today. Yaaaay corona.

Back in early October 2016, Luke and I spent 3 lovely nights in this beautiful UNESCO world heritage listed city – yes, that’s right; the whole historic centre of Brugge has been UNESCO heritage listed. And for good reason too – with its ancient canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings; the whole inner city is straight out of a fairytale……..

This picturesque scene is taken from the Bonifacius Bridge behind the Church of our Lady of Bruges.
Strolling down Korte Vuldersstraat
Exploring the backstreets around Markt Square
Bonne-Chièremolen; one of the four windmills along the riverbank that surrounds the inner city
Smedenpoort (or ‘Blacksmith’s Gate’) – which dates back to 1297, is one of the four remaining city gates of Bruges. It also holds a grizzly surprise, next to the upper left hand corner of the archway.
Affixed to the charming looking yellow bricks, is a replica bronze skull of an executed traitor to the city, whose original head was dipped in bronze and hung on the gate as a warning to the people. Morbid.
Ezelpoort (Donkey’s Gate) – another of the four remaining city gates.
Also a good picture of some of Bruges famous resident swans.
Legend has it, Bruges fell onto some troubled times after the death of their ruler Mary of Burgundy (1482). Enraged by the new taxes imposed by Mary’s successor – Maximilian of Austria, the townspeople rose up in revolt and locked him up. Things escalated quickly and they tortured and beheaded his trusted councillor and close friend Peter Lanchals – affectionately nicknamed ‘Long-Neck’. Once Maximilian escaped he cursed the town, ordering them to forever take care of 101 swans (or long necks); and if they didn’t the town would fall back into disaster.
Koningin Astridpark – a nice place to escape the hoards of tourists.
People watching in Markt Square, the bustling plaza in the city’s centre.
The Belfort Tower – or Belfry of Bruges and Provinciaal Hof on the left; the original meeting place for government.
And I had to end this gallery with a picture of this handsome smiling man.