In Bruges

We went to Bruges as a class on Saturday. It is one of the best preserved pre-motorised cities in Europe.

Bruges used to be a MAJOR port city during the 13-15th centuries. It was blessed with a natural harbor and a connection to every river in Europe. This allowed for almost all of the commerce coming into Europe to go through Bruges and because trade=money the city flourished.

But by the 1500's the river to the North Sea was silting up and ships could no longer pass though. The end of commerce caused the city to stop building and tearing down old buildings.

Here is a photo of me with the Belfort.

One of the many cannals in the city. Most homes have a little door that is right next to the water.

Lace is a big deal in Belgium. Bruges has a lace making school that attracts people from all over the world.

The Belfort is right on the town square and they had a beer festive there this weekend and it was packed!