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Bruges

Bruges is a fascinating city. Its monuments, museums and particularly the unspoilt historical city centre with its canals attract millions of visitors every year. The port of Zeebrugge and the cultural/historic patrimony of Bruges give the city a European and international dimension.
Bruges is called the "Venice of the North". In the Middle Ages Bruges became the most important trade centre of north-west Europe. Already at that time, Flanders was one of the most urbanized areas in Europe. In the fourteenth century Bruges had expanded to become a rich international port city. The Burgundian period in Bruges started in 1384. Art and culture flourished as never before. Around 1600 Bruges was a provincial city with a modest maritime reputation. Since the end of the nineteenth century Bruges became also known throughout Europe as a city of art and a tourist centre.

Old Country House of the "Brugse Vrije": The original Country House was built in two eras (1520-25/1722-27). From the 18th century till the eighties it was the seat of the Court of Justice. Since 1988 it houses the City Administration Centre.
		The "Princely Beguinage of the Vineyard" was founded in 1245. Sisters of the religious St. Benedict Order have taken the place of the former beguines. The Beguine's House provides a good picture of the day-to-day life of the former inhabitants.
Jan Breydel & Pieter De Coninck: Statue of two popular local heroes, who in 1302 played a leading part in the resistance against the French occupying powers.
		This brewery, already mentioned in 1546, produces "Straffe Hendrik": an excellent, highly fermented beer with malt, hops and special yeast as main ingredients. The spacious and cosy tap room is as good a place as any to try the beer. During one of the guided visits you will learn more about production methods and the history of the brewery.