June 27 - 28, 2016
We left Ouwerkerks' residence at around 6:15 am for our trip to Bruges, Belgium. Thanks to Tony for dropping us off Roosendaal NL train station. It was a good timing as he had a meeting to catch at 7:00 am.
Our Place in Bruges
Grand Hotel Du Sablon to me was the best hostel we stayed at throughout our Europe tour. It was not pricey and the staff were very accommodating.
Belfort of Bruges
One of Bruges' most iconic sites is the Belfort (bell tower). It used to house the city treasury and archive. The tower has a narrow staircase with 366 steps going to the top (we did not climb to the top of the belfry though). The tower was built in 1240 during Bruges' golden era as a leader in the cloth industry. Since its construction, the tower bells have been used to regulate life in the city, to announce events, chime in the hour and warn locals of fires or approaching enemies.
Market Square
The Belfry is on the square. The Market Square is the main public square in Bruges. They say it is a great place to start the exploration of the city. Historically, it was used for public gatherings and trade. Now, there are a number of restaurants, cafes, stores and market stalls on the square. At the center of the square is a statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, two local heroes from the 1302 resistance movement.
The Historium
The Historium is a great way to get a grip on the history of Flanders and Bruges in particular. Here you will learn of Bruges' development over the centuries. However, we did not go through the experience as we only had one day to explore Bruges.
Minnewaterpark
Minnewaterpark or the "Lake of Love" is a picturesque park area with the rectangular lake at its heart. The lake was named for the tragic romantic legend of Minna and her lover Stromberg. Minna was in love with Stromberg who came from a different tribe. Her father disapproved and planned a marriage between Minna and another. Minna ran away into the forest and was found by Stromberg where she collapsed into his arms and died of exhaustion. Legend has it that if two lovers walk over the bridge, which crosses the lake, they will stay together for eternity.
Church of Our Lady Bruges
Other Sites
Next stop - Paris!
See also:
My Europe Tour: Amsterdam, Netherlands
My Europe Tour: Other NL Areas
My Europe Tour: Paris, France
My Europe Tour: Switzerland
My Europe Tour: Milan, Italy
My Europe Tour: Venice, Italy
My Europe Tour: Florence, Italy
My Europe Tour: Rome, Italy
We left Ouwerkerks' residence at around 6:15 am for our trip to Bruges, Belgium. Thanks to Tony for dropping us off Roosendaal NL train station. It was a good timing as he had a meeting to catch at 7:00 am.
 |
| At Roosendaal train station. |
Our Place in Bruges
Grand Hotel Du Sablon to me was the best hostel we stayed at throughout our Europe tour. It was not pricey and the staff were very accommodating.
Belfort of Bruges
One of Bruges' most iconic sites is the Belfort (bell tower). It used to house the city treasury and archive. The tower has a narrow staircase with 366 steps going to the top (we did not climb to the top of the belfry though). The tower was built in 1240 during Bruges' golden era as a leader in the cloth industry. Since its construction, the tower bells have been used to regulate life in the city, to announce events, chime in the hour and warn locals of fires or approaching enemies.
Market Square
The Belfry is on the square. The Market Square is the main public square in Bruges. They say it is a great place to start the exploration of the city. Historically, it was used for public gatherings and trade. Now, there are a number of restaurants, cafes, stores and market stalls on the square. At the center of the square is a statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, two local heroes from the 1302 resistance movement.
The Historium
The Historium is a great way to get a grip on the history of Flanders and Bruges in particular. Here you will learn of Bruges' development over the centuries. However, we did not go through the experience as we only had one day to explore Bruges.
Minnewaterpark
Minnewaterpark or the "Lake of Love" is a picturesque park area with the rectangular lake at its heart. The lake was named for the tragic romantic legend of Minna and her lover Stromberg. Minna was in love with Stromberg who came from a different tribe. Her father disapproved and planned a marriage between Minna and another. Minna ran away into the forest and was found by Stromberg where she collapsed into his arms and died of exhaustion. Legend has it that if two lovers walk over the bridge, which crosses the lake, they will stay together for eternity.
Church of Our Lady Bruges
Other Sites
Next stop - Paris!
See also:
My Europe Tour: Amsterdam, Netherlands
My Europe Tour: Other NL Areas
My Europe Tour: Paris, France
My Europe Tour: Switzerland
My Europe Tour: Milan, Italy
My Europe Tour: Venice, Italy
My Europe Tour: Florence, Italy
My Europe Tour: Rome, Italy
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