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Belfort
The symbol of Bruges is its Unesco-listed 13th-century belfry, rising a lofty 83m above the main square, Markt. Ascending the 366 steps brings you past the treasury, a triumphal bell, and a 47-bell, manually operated carillon (set of bells), which still regularly chimes across the city.
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Burg
Smaller but arguably more impressive than the Markt is the adjoining Burg. For more than five centuries the former palace on this majestic site was the seat of the counts of Flanders. The St Donatian Cathedral also stood here until 1799, when religious zealots tore it down. These days the Burg contains the city's most appealing cluster of buildings, plus the contemporary Toyo Ito pavilion, a geometric bunker that sits in a pool of stagnant water opposite the city hall.
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Hof Arents
The tree-lined square at the rear of the Arentshuis is Hof Arents, a tranquil respite from the busy Dijver. Sit and contemplate four sculptures by Rik Poot entitled De Ruiters van de Apocalyps (Riders of the Apocalypse) before exiting the square to discover a tranquil canal lined with timber houses - one of the most picturesque nooks in Bruges. The canal is backed by the humped St Bonifaciusbrug.
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Huidenvettersplein
A charming square lined with popular restaurants.
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Markt
Bruges' nerve centre is the historic Markt, a large open square flanked by medieval-style buildings and bustling with horse-drawn carriages, open-air restaurants and camera-clicking tourists. Standing tall at its centre is a monument to Pieter De Coninck and Jan Breydel, the leaders of the Brugse Metten, and lording over everything is the fabulous belfry.
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Statue of Hans Memling
The statue of Hans Memling was erected in 1874. The Flemish Primitive artist is buried in St Gilliskerk, a few blocks further north. For a statue of the most famous artist of this genre, head to nearby Jan Van Eyckplein.
Showing 1-6 of 6 results
