Bruges is called : 'the Venice of the North'. Bruges, Belgium Gay Cruises. This splendid medieval city is one of Belgium's crown jewels. Bruges, Belgium Gay Cruises. In no other European city the feel and the look of medieval times are so present as here in this city close to the North Sea. Bruges, Belgium Gay Cruises.
Today's Bruges has a population of about 45. Bruges, Belgium Gay Cruises. 000 people (the old center) or 120. Bruges, Belgium Gay Cruises. 000 people (center together with the suburbs). Bruges, Belgium Gay Cruises. These numbers clearly show that Bruges is not a tiny miniature city. Bruges, Belgium Gay Cruises. It ranks, even today, among the important cities of Belgium. Bruges, Belgium Gay Cruises. It is also the capital of the Belgian province of West-Flanders. Bruges, Belgium Gay Cruises. A lot of people take day-trips from Brussels to Bruges, but there is to much to see here to fill only 1 day. Bruges, Belgium Gay Cruises. The best way to visit Bruges is to spend at least one night in one of the many beautiful and cozy hotels. Bruges, Belgium Gay Cruises. Later in the evening, when all the tourists have gone, Bruges finds back its charm and quiet of old times. Bruges, Belgium Gay Cruises. When one is lucky with the weather, a stroll through the tiny medieval streets can be an enchanting experience. Bruges, Belgium Gay Cruises. Bruges is always beautiful, in the summertime as well as in the wintertime. Bruges, Belgium Gay Cruises. Lucky visitors will never forget the city after they have seen it on a snowy December or January day. Bruges, Belgium Gay Cruises.
Bruges is unique, in the sense that here the town authorities have done the utmost to preserve the medieval-looking image of the city. Bruges, Belgium Gay Cruises. Of course, not every stone in Bruges has come to us straight from the Middle-Ages. Bruges, Belgium Gay Cruises. The 19th century neo-gothic style is more present than one should think. Bruges, Belgium Gay Cruises. Because of these 19th century renovations, some critics have put Bruges down as a 'fake' medieval city. Bruges, Belgium Gay Cruises. Nevertheless, the combination of old, not so old and new fascinates everyone who first sets foot in Bruges. Bruges, Belgium Gay Cruises.