Insight Pocket Guide Bruges

by Bell, Brian

• ISBN13: 9781585731756
• ISBN10: 1585731757
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-12-01
• Publisher: Insight Guides

Table of Contents

History and Culture
From its indistinct origins in the Dark Ages, through its heyday as a medieval trading centre, then centuries of civil and religious turmoil under foreign rule, Bruges was frequently at the forefront of art and architecture. All of this helped to shape the city we see today	11	(12)
City Itineraries
The first three itineraries in this selection are full-day tours linking the city's highlights. They are followed by six shorter tours exploring other interesting areas and aspects of Bruges, away from the tourist hustle and bustle
The Heart of Bruges begins in the historic market square, where it climbs the belfry for extensive views over the town. Afterwards it takes a stroll along the central canal and visits two splendid museums	23	(6)
Artistic Heritage and the Lake of Love takes you to the Archaeological Museum and the Church of Our Lady, with its Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo, before moving on to historic almshouses, a city brewery and the scenic Minnewater. The tour ends at the Diamond Museum	29	(4)
The Burg and Beyond sees the sights of the city's two main square, including the Palace of the Liberty of Bruges and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, then heads off to discover a residential area	33	(5)
Lace, Windmills, Archers and Beer begins with a number of historic churches, then heads off to explore some of the themes that shaped Bruges' heritage	38	(4)
The Merchants' Quarter is a two-hour tour, beginning at the Royal Municipal Theatre, which looks at places associated with Bruges' ancient trading links with the Hanseatic League	42	(2)
Canalside Bruges goes along the city's delightful waterway, lined by lovely old buildings and crossed by picturesque bridges	44	(2)
To the Ring Canal takes in the Cathedral and its Museum, the busy shopping streets around `t Zand and the ring canal park	46	(2)
Princely Bruges heads out to the Prinsenhof palace, takes a stroll through Hof Sebrechts park and ends at one of Bruges' medieval gateways	48	(1)
The Donkey Quarter explores the city's patrician legacy, including fine churches, medieval Hof Bladelin and parts of the old city walls	49	(4)
Excursions
These four excursions take you to destinations within easy reach of Bruges and include a book-buyer's paradise, a historic rival town, a busy port and seaside resort, and a brave little town with reminders of World War I
Damme takes you a short way out of the city - perhaps on a paddle steamer along the canal - to Belgium's pretty `Village of Books'	53	(2)
Ghent explores a town that has some similarities to Bruges in its architecture and waterways, but an altogether different atmosphere	55	(5)
Ostend takes you out to the North Sea coast to sample the delights of a town that is well known as a ferry port, but is also a lively seaside resort with some excellent galleries and museums - and a casino	60	(4)
Ypres is both poignant and encouraging, a symbol of appalling destruction and loss of human life during World War I, but also of rebirth and determination to recreate the beautiful townscape. This full day tour includes a side trip to the battlefields and cemeteries that lie close to the town	64
Leisure Activities
What to buy, where to find the best food and where to stay out late in Bruges	69	(9)
Calendar of Events
A guide to festivals in and around Bruges	78	(3)
Practical Information
All the background information you are likely to need for your stay, from information on getting around to tips on money matters. Includes a selection of hotels	81
Credits and Index	93