Bruges (Brugge in Flemish) is surely one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belgium besides the capital city Bruxelles. The town has preserved the aspect of a typical medieval village, with narrow streets bordered by picturesque channels (hence the nickname of Venice of the North) and elegant buildings.
The city puts a lot of care in preserving this authentic medieval atmosphere, imposing numerous traffic restrictions and prohibiting advertising signs in the Old Town.
The original nucleus of Bruges dates back to the IX century, when a fortress was built to defend the shores from the Vikings and the French invasions, but the real economic development begins between the XIV and XV century, when the city reaches its maximum splendour and wealth thanks to the trade of tissues.
Still today, the beaut… [Continua…]