BRUGES - STAY FOR LESS "EURO"

BRUGES was founded by Viking raiders in the 9C & its name means “Harbour or Mooring Place” (in Scandinavian) as it was then located close to the North Sea. From the 13C to 16 C it became important for trading Flemish Cloth but its decline began when the River Zwin slowly silted up. This badly effected trade & the Town became Belgium's poorest by the 1800's. Now, however, it boasts its unspoiled 15C Medieval Town & picturesque canals, lined with fine buildings, & is one of the most popular tourist call in spots in Belgium today.

ACCOMMODATION

• NO 1 – THE PASSAGE HOSTEL on Dweersstraat 26 – 28 (Central, near to main Zuidzand Square & Info Centre) tele 050/ 340232 – E15 for dorm bed & sheets, incl. reasonable breakfast. No self – catering or lounge facilities but Hostel is above a good Restaurant. Friendly management & best location gets the rating.

• RESERVE – BAUHAUS on Langestraat 133 – 137 (East of centre, a good walk from Bus/ Rail Station) tele 050/ 341093 – www.bauhaus.be - Email. info@bauhaus.be - E13 incl. sheets, break E3 extra. Another reasonable Hostel with Café/ Bar on ground floor but a little far out of Centre.

• R2 - BRUGE EUROPA HI HOSTEL Baron Ruzetielaan 143 ( 1.5 km from Station) E 15 – E17 with 208 beds. No kitchen but good facilities but too far from Centre, GB tried to walk it but gave up!

FOOD – for snacks from the GB Supermarket is most convenient just down street from Hostel on Zuidzandstraat

TRAVELLING AROUND is best on foot in this compact Town with all the main sights in the central zone. The Bus/ Rail Station where you will arrive is a little way out of Town but a delightful walk in, so don't miss it

FREE SIGHTS TO SEE

1. MAIN MARKT – large open 13C Square lined with Town Hall & Medieval Gabled Houses
2. CANAL WALKS – wander the cobbled streets along the narrow Canal ways for visionary treats
3. THE BELFORT – 15C octagonal Bell Tower is Bruges most celebrated landmark
4. THE BURG – pleasant cobbled Square with imposing Sculptured Buildings & Blind Donkey Alley
5. BEGUIJN HOF – 13C walled complex with White Gable Houses with trees & Canals bounding
6. ONZELIEVE VROUWEKERK – 1220 Church, South isle has Mike A's 1504 Madonna & Child
7. KRUISPOORT – old Fortified 1402 Gate with earthen Canal banks & 3 of 20 Windmills nearby
8. VISMARKT – open air daily fresh Fish Market with occasional Crafts Fair at weekends
9. ST SALVATOR – 1788 Church, plain inside except handsome Tapestries & 15C Angels Organ
10. MINNEWATER – peaceful Park South of Centre with Swans since 1448 & 15C Lock Gate

CHARGE SIGHTS NOT TO MISS

1. STADHUIS – one of the oldest & finest Town Halls in Belgium with 1385 Vaulted Ceiling
2. CANAL BOAT TRIP – the tourist way to see the delights of Bruges as the “Venice of the North”

* Carol, Sue

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