Bruges Walk

• Walk Bruges

I'm trying to get to Bruges a year: there was no time, then just forget. During this visit to Brussels, it was decided on the final day still to go. The plane took off at 7 pm, so at 10 am I was already on the train. The train goes smoothly hour ticket in the two sides worth 24 euros.

The city met the lack of people, which, however, appeared in about a half hour of my walks.

The first mentions of the city belong to the VII century. In the IX century, the Count of Flanders Baldwin Iron Hand builds a castle on the site, which is still called the Vikings "Brugge", ie. E. "Ship loading place." At this point the river Zwin forms a natural harbor. In fact, the first to be met on arrival at the Baldwin of Flanders, was a bear. It is an animal occupies a place of honor in the arms of Bruges.

Fortress built Baldwin, grew gradually, and the thirteenth century small settlement becomes successful commercial center. Here converge the way of trading houses across Europe, from the Hanseatic League to Venice. flourished cultural life of the city for the same period of time.

Among the oldest cities in Belgium Bruges has preserved almost intact its medieval appearance with the greatest perseverance and care. For example, I am more than sure that the metal immediately authentic.

By the XV century, fortune turned away from the city. Channels connecting Bruges with the sea began to grow shallow. The Hanseatic League was moved from Bruges to Antwerp. Merchants to leave the city. On the long 400 years, the city sank into lethargy.

The roofs of the houses are decorated with a weather vane necessarily, or just a small figurine of an animal or human.

On the roof - a man with a golf club.

Bruges is called "Bruges-la-Morte", "sleepy Bruges", and it really sleeps among the luxury of ancient buildings, silent channels, humpback bridges, green embankments, immersed in all the former, bygone. Seven tower fortress gates no longer protect his wealth, but only dignified reminiscent of former glory.

It originated somewhere in the VII century, has experienced rapid flowering in the Middle Ages, becoming the world trade center in the XII-XIV due to its proximity to the sea, deep shipping channels and businesslike citizens. There were about two hundred thousand people, whereas now lives a little more than fifty.

Bruges primarily medieval city. Home of irregular shape are arranged along its narrow, winding streets, high towers stand against the sky, and in what area of ​​the city you would not be, the kind of gorgeous, and reminds the Middle Ages, a time when Bruges, the capital of West Flanders has been known as a center of international commerce and a meeting place scientists, poets, artists, people of high position and honor.

C of the 16th century the city was still called "the city of Madonna" - there are about 270: in churches, on the streets in designated compartments houses.

In the city go several dozen horse-drawn carriages. About them there is even a monument.

A funny mix of daytime European city and Japanese children.

Only at the end of the nineteenth century, thanks to tourists traveling to Waterloo, Bruges finds a new life.

Today, it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Belgium, where everything breathes antiquity.

Houses in Bruges are amazingly beautiful, and most importantly, that they are all different. There are very old, dark, former warehouses, with the date of construction of the facade (1475), and there are newer, with colorful doors and indispensable lace curtains.

Through multiple channels is best to take a boat ride (30 minutes - 12 euros).

On a street with hardly disperse two people.

Belgium is famous for its chocolate: This is the best gift for a traveler.

"Zeus, Leda, Prometheus and Pegasus visit Bruges"

The horses here and a lot of truth.

Watering.

Local horses fed horse muesli:

On the other hand granola has a slightly different form. By the way, say, that this receiver had been invented in Bruges.

Swans have long been a kind of symbol of Bruges. Therefore, they can be seen not only in the quiet canals, but also on the facades of houses.

In many homes, hang signs with a request to keep quiet.

In general: I liked it, although there was not enough time.