It was so hot when we visited Brugge, in Belgium, with Spike. Dog days of Summer indeed and Spike just wanted water and shade, as did we.
Well maybe a good Belgium Hoegaarden and shaded table in a bustling Market Square sidewalk cafe more like it. Dog friendly of course !
Brugge is unique in the way that it has preserved its authentic medieval atmosphere. It is dominated by 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th-century buildings.
In the 9th century, Brugge was a landing stage for the Vikings. Local artisans fought the ruling French nobility successfully in the Battle of the Golden Spurs in 1302, an event that has gone down in history as the Matins of Bruges. The leader of the artisans was Peter de Coninck. There is a monument of him and John Breydel in Market Square.
The 14th century was the Golden Age and the 15th continued as an era of splendor, fine arts, and refinement. By the middle of the 19th, however, Brugge was poverty-stricken.
Whether you say Brugge (the Flemish / Dutch pronunciation) or Bruges (French) it is a charming place that will capture your imagination whichever little pathway you find yourself on.
Thoughts and Things
The Rick Steves Belgium: Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent guidebook is invaluable. Back in the day, we relied completely on guidebooks. Nowadays all information is available on your iPhone – but there is something to be said for paging through a book and having all the information directly in front of you.
