Bruges

Bruges, or Brugge in Dutch, is a city in northwest Belgium and the capital of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region. It is renowned for its well-preserved medieval center, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic core is situated on a network of canals linked to the Reie River, earning Bruges the reputation as the Venice of the North.

Bruges began as a settlement in Roman times but rose to prominence in the 12th–14th centuries as a major trading hub in northern Europe, aided by access to the sea via the Zwin estuary. Its wealth fostered Gothic architecture and a distinctive urban layout. The Zwin silted up in the 15th century, reducing Bruges's maritime role, but the city retained its historic fabric.

Key landmarks include the Belfry of Bruges (Belfort) on the Markt, the Town Hall in Burg, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. The Church of Our Lady houses Michelangelo's sculpture Madonna and Child. The Groeningemuseum and the Bruges Beguinage preserve Flemish and early Netherlandish art and daily life of the medieval and early modern periods.

Economically, Bruges has long been associated with lace-making, though today its economy is dominated by tourism, services, and light industry. The city remains a gateway to the region's culinary traditions, including chocolate and beer. The nearby Port of Zeebrugge handles freight and ferry traffic to the North Sea.

Bruges is served by Bruges railway station with connections to Brussels, Ghent, and Ostend, and is within reach of Ostend-Bruges International Airport. The city and its surroundings are a major excursion and cruise port destination for visitors exploring Flanders.