Brugge
Brugge is a coastal town of Belgium, sometimes known as the Venice of the North with its many canals running through the city. Medieval and Gothic style churches, towers, and spires rise up above the city transporting one back in time. It's a picturesque medieval city complete with cobblestone roadways and horse and buggy carriage rides right out of a fairy-tale. The only aspect of the city that grounds it in the present is the abundant modern retail stores situated in re-purposed, olden style buildings.
The market square in which the Belfry (Belfort) Tower is located is easily my favorite spot. I really loved the multi-colored buildings and the of course the bell tower itself. There are 366 steps to the top of the tower. Mind you, it's 366 steep steps. The Tower of Notre Dame has over 400 and I don't remember the climb being as rigorous; however, I could have conveniently forgot or attributed it to the many steps walked while in Paris. I did manage to successfully make it to the top which is more than worth the effort to see the aerial views of Brugge and hear and see the chiming of the bells. The 47 bells in the tower chime a unique tune every hour; a tune which is changed every two years.
Not far from the tower is another square with an interesting history. What once used to be the home of the Count of Flanders is the Town Hall. However impressive the building is from the outside, the draw in this sector is the attached chapel, the Basilica of the Holy Blood. In the Basilica is a relic of great importance to those of the Christian faith. It is said that during the 2nd crusade (c. 1150), the Count of Flanders. Derrick of Alsace received the relic for his heroism. With the approval of Jerusalem, returned to Brugge with a piece of cloth containing the blood of Jesus Christ.
There is some conspiracy surrounding the original story as the earliest recording of such a relic dates back to 1250s in Constantinople. Another theory suggest the Holy Blood arrived in Brugge after the fall of Constantinople during the 4th crusade at which time, Baldwin IX, Count of Flanders was chosen to be emperor and sent many treasures to his daughters in Brugge. This also accounts for the dating of the casing which is around the same time frame. The relic is made of rock-crystal and the ends of pure gold. The relic has been sealed all this time and never opened.
Photo from the Basilica of the Holy Blood
And what trip wouldn't be complete without food and shopping! Belgium is known for its waffles and chocolate, both of which can be combined together or enjoyed separately. Also, another interesting trade in Belgium is lace making. One shop had an owner that makes her own lace. The art of lace making looks very involved and difficult. She showed us a video of her actually making some of the pieces she sells. She actually went to school to learn to make lace. The piece she showed us making took her 2.5 days!
Photo credit: T.M.
Such an enjoyable trip!
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