Our next stop was the lovely small city of Bruges. It’s a place I’ve decided to call Disney World for medievalists. Just walking around is amazing with the number of old, medieval buildings, but all the time you’re aware that the city has been restored and cleaned up just for tourists. Doesn’t make the experience any less amazing, although I’m not a huge fan of the many horse-drawn carriages that others seem to delight in.
Anyway! Walking into town, approaching the Markt, the sights begin:
We visited a house that gave refuge to Edward IV and Charles II, both kings of England:
And a gorgeous church, where we saw Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child:
One thing I noticed is that churches in Bruges tended to be very colorful, with paintings and decorations everywhere. It was in stark contract to the churches we saw in Amsterdam and those I’m familiar with here in England, which are still beautiful but very austere. I know they used to be colorful (at least in England) so I’m sure that has something to do with the Protestantism of both the Netherlands and the UK, but it was still very cool to see what churches look like with all that decoration.
The city is also simply gorgeous to walk around, with canals and parks and beautiful buildings everywhere (many of them emanating the smell of chocolate):
We also decided to spoil ourselves just a tiny bit because my part of the trip was almost over:
Unsurprisingly, I am definitely planning to go back. Bruges was just a nice place to spend some time. If I ever look for a relaxing weekend away in a gorgeous setting, I know exactly where to go.
Looks like a cool place. I’m hoping on our next trip to England that i can convince hubby to take a side trip to Bruges and/or Brussels.
I’ve never been to Bruges, but Carl loved it there! It sounds like a place you could get lost in.
bermudaonion (Kathy)´s last post …Wondrous Words Wednesday
We also went to Brussels (albeit only for a day) and I would definitely recommend Bruges first. It’s just lovely and really feels like you could be in a historical novel. Brussels is nice too, but is definitely a city as opposed to a comfortable, old-fashioned town.
I love Bruges! It is one of the only cities in Europe I’ve visited. I couldn’t get enough of the fries or the fabulous canals!
I haven’t really ever traveled internationally, but there are some places that I think it would be beautiful to visit, and this is one of them. These are great photos, thanks for sharing them!
It looks lovely! Those pastries are nom.
I so jealous what a fabulous trip! I’ve never been but I’ve wanted to and this just made that desire even stronger. Very cool!
Pam (@iwriteinbooks)´s last post …It’s a Date!
I’ve never been to Bruges, looks wonderful. I have visted Brussels though and that was wonderful for architecture and chocolate too!
Jessicabookworm´s last post …Poet’s Corner: Prayer
Beautiful pictures! Bruges is definitely on my list for when I can afford to travel more.
Nymeth´s last post …All Done!
I’ve never been to Bruge but your photos make me long to go there and Europe in general. Thank you for sharing!
Amused´s last post …Winner of Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.!
Gorgeous photos! Someday I would like to visit Europe and it’s charming towns. They can keep the big cities
Thanks for sharing.
jennygirl´s last post …Review: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
I never knew Brugge became Bruges in English – learned something new today
I do agree, it is the Disneyland for historians. I remember squeeing just as much going through the town as when I went to Disneyland.
Iris´s last post …Consequences by E.M. Delafield
My very, very, very favorite town of all the world. LOVE it there it is so beautiful.
Beth F´s last post …Weekend Cooking: Review & Giveaway: The Kitchen Counter Cooking School by Kathleen Flinn
How awesome!! I don’t think I would have added this to my list of must-see towns, but the description “Disney World for medievalists” has me intrigued! Great pictures (and yummy looking food).
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