Day 2 – Bruges and Ghent – Bruges

Bruges is one of Europe's best preserved medieval cities. It is significant for its authentic Gothic brick architecture, historic canal network, and immense cultural history. Known as the "Venice of the North," it was a major trade hub from the thirteenth through fifteenth-century and was the birthplace of Flemish Primitive painting. 

Today, we learned about the city on one of the best walking tours I’ve ever had. This was the description of our “Bruges by Foot and Canal” excursion:

Discover Bruges, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world, during a walking tour and canal cruise. Embrace the feeling of stepping back in time as your guide walks you through the winding cobblestone streets, passing picturesque ancient buildings, tree-lined canals and the gabled facades of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Béguinage and its gardens, once home to followers of the Beguine religious movement and now a monastery for Benedictine sisters. Visit the Church of Our Lady, admiring Michelangelo’s marble Madonna and Child, and stroll through the vibrant marketplace while gazing at the towering Belfry of Bruges. Then, pass by the Basilica of the Holy Blood, famous for its religious relic—a piece of cloth covered in the blood of Jesus. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely canal ride along the tranquil waterways of this charming city before returning to your hotel.

After walking through Market Square, we stopped in Burg Square, which has been the center of power in the city for ages. The square is lined with monumental landmark buildings that were built over the centuries and reflect the evolution of architectural styles.

Burg Square

As we passed through Tanners Square, the former location of the guild house of the tanners during the Middle Ages, our guide pointed out the stone carvings within the arched windows that depict the process of tanning leather.

Tanners Square

Every place, including Bruges, seems to have one iconic spot for photographs, and that was where we joined every other tourist who had the same idea. I must admit that the view was gorgeous and reflected the essential character of Bruges.

A Gorgeous Spot for a Photograph

I was especially looking forward to our next stop, the Béguinage, or Begijnhof, of Bruges, since I had recently read the historical novel Canticle that was set here. A begijnhof is a historic enclosed courtyard, often featuring small houses and a garden, that originally served as a community for beguines – lay Catholic women who lived together under vows of chastity while maintaining their personal freedom.

The Entrance to the Béguinage of Bruges

The Inner Courtyard and Houses of the Béguinage of Bruges

Perhaps the highlight of the excursion was the visit to the Church of Our Lady to view Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child. Although I had seen photographs of this marble sculpture, I was surprised by how small it was.

The Church of Our Lady (Note the Peregrine Falcon in the Top Right Photo)

The Church of Our Lady

Michelangelo's Madonna and Child

Our final event was a boat ride through the canals of Bruges. Seeing the architecture from the water offered a different perspective, and it was a nice end to an excellent excursion.

Scenes Along the Canals of Bruges

Tonight, Bonnie made dinner reservations at a lovely restaurant on one of the canals, and I really enjoyed getting to know her and her sister Chris. I ordered the white asparagus, a Belgian delicacy available in the early spring. It was so tender and delicious.

Bonnie and Chris and White Asparagus