Bruges, Belgium: (13 pictures) – Day 33
Belfry - This is the most noticeable landmark in Bruges.
Most of it is 700 years old, and it has great bells at the top that play
music every 15 minutes. I was able to climb all the way to the top
of it.
Bruges from top of Belfry - Bruges isn't that large of a city
now, but it is definitely very pretty. In the 1300s, it was as big
as London and one of the largest cities in the world, but eventually its
harbor silted up and the economy took a nosedive. It's now becoming
very popular again thanks to tourism, and in 2002 it was selected to be
one of two "Cultural Capitals of Europe".
Bruges from top of Belfry - Here is another picture of the very
beautiful city from high up in the belfry.
Clock inside Belfry - This was the biggest clock I've ever seen
from up close. I just happened to be there when it rang too.
Everything in the room started to move and it was incredibly loud.
The wheel in the bottom left of the picture is actually what makes the
music play (kind of like a big music box).
Bruges from the top of Straffe Hendrik Brewery - I took one
more tour of a brewery, but it was different because it was Belgian beer
this time. Actually I enjoyed this brewery more than the others because
it was much smaller and we actually got to explore everywhere in the brewery,
including the roof, where this picture was taken.
Begijnhof - This area of town was created to house women who
lived like nuns but didn't want to take the same vows a nun would.
For different reasons, there were more women than men during the time and
this was one solution to the problem.
Woman making lace - Besides waffles and chocolate, Belgium is
known for it's lace. It was fascinating how this lady was making
the lace because her hands were moving so quickly as she tossed all the
little bobbins around.
Burg Square and Basilica of the Holy Blood - The church here
supposedly has a small vessel that contains some of the blood of Christ.
It's not viewable to the public though.
Belfry and Canal - This is a very pretty picture with old buildings
and the belfry in the background. It was so pretty in fact that I
came back at night and took almost the same shot again.
Windmills - I walked out all the way to the edge of the
city to see these big windmills. There were four of them altogether.
St. Saviour’s Cathedral - This was a church near my hostel.
The picture also shows what most of the smaller streets in Bruges looked
like complete with cobblestones and all.
Belfry and Canal at Night - This is almost the same picture
as I took earlier in the day, except it was night and you could see the
reflection of the belfry and buildings in the canal.
Brussels outside Train Station - This picture was taken in the
capital of Belgium during the short 45 minute layover I had in Brussels.
Continue on to Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
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