Historic Centre of Brugge
Date of Inscription: 2000
Selection criteria: (ii) to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
Overview: The Historic Centre of Brugge, also known as Bruges, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city of Bruges in Flanders, Belgium. The city is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and canals, which have earned it the nickname "Venice of the North."
Prominent Features:
Belfry of Bruges: The Belfry of Bruges is a medieval bell tower located in the center of the city. It was built in the 13th century and is one of the most iconic landmarks of Bruges. Visitors can climb the tower to enjoy stunning views of the city.
Canals: Bruges is known for its picturesque canals, which were built in the Middle Ages to transport goods and people throughout the city. Today, visitors can take boat tours or stroll along the canal banks to enjoy the views of the historic architecture.
Historic Buildings: The Historic Centre of Bruges features many well-preserved medieval buildings, including churches, townhouses, and guildhalls. Some of the most notable buildings include the Church of Our Lady, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Gruuthuse Museum.
Museums: Bruges is home to several museums that showcase the city's rich cultural heritage. Some of the most popular museums include the Groeningemuseum, which features Flemish art from the 15th to the 21st centuries, and the Memling Museum, which is dedicated to the works of the Flemish painter Hans Memling.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families with children can enjoy a range of activities in Bruges, such as visiting the Chocolate Museum to learn about the history of chocolate making in Belgium, taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city, or exploring the interactive exhibits at the Historium, which uses virtual reality technology to bring Bruges' medieval history to life.
Fun Fact: The historic city center of Bruges is completely car-free, making it a great destination for pedestrians and cyclists.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Historic Centre of Bruges. Some of the most popular attractions and their current entry fees (as of 2021) include:
Brugge is easily accessible from Brussels by train. There are frequent train services from Brussels to Brugge, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour. Trains depart from Brussels Midi, Brussels Central and Brussels Nord stations. The ticket prices vary depending on the type of train and the time of day, but typically range from €10-€20 for a one-way trip. It is recommended to book in advance to secure a seat and a cheaper fare.
By Bus: There are several bus companies that operate services from Brussels to Brugge, including Flixbus and De Lijn. The journey time is approximately 2-2.5 hours and ticket prices start from €5 for a one-way trip. The bus departs from Brussels North Station and terminates at the Brugge train station.
By Car: Visitors can also reach Bruges by car, but it's important to note that the historic city center is completely car-free. Parking is available outside the city center, and visitors can take a bus or walk to reach the historic center.
Where to Stay: Bruges offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Many of these options are located in the historic center of the city, making it easy for visitors to explore the city's attractions and landmarks.
Selection criteria: (ii) to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
Overview: The Historic Centre of Brugge, also known as Bruges, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city of Bruges in Flanders, Belgium. The city is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and canals, which have earned it the nickname "Venice of the North."
Prominent Features:
Belfry of Bruges: The Belfry of Bruges is a medieval bell tower located in the center of the city. It was built in the 13th century and is one of the most iconic landmarks of Bruges. Visitors can climb the tower to enjoy stunning views of the city.
Canals: Bruges is known for its picturesque canals, which were built in the Middle Ages to transport goods and people throughout the city. Today, visitors can take boat tours or stroll along the canal banks to enjoy the views of the historic architecture.
Historic Buildings: The Historic Centre of Bruges features many well-preserved medieval buildings, including churches, townhouses, and guildhalls. Some of the most notable buildings include the Church of Our Lady, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Gruuthuse Museum.
Museums: Bruges is home to several museums that showcase the city's rich cultural heritage. Some of the most popular museums include the Groeningemuseum, which features Flemish art from the 15th to the 21st centuries, and the Memling Museum, which is dedicated to the works of the Flemish painter Hans Memling.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families with children can enjoy a range of activities in Bruges, such as visiting the Chocolate Museum to learn about the history of chocolate making in Belgium, taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city, or exploring the interactive exhibits at the Historium, which uses virtual reality technology to bring Bruges' medieval history to life.
Fun Fact: The historic city center of Bruges is completely car-free, making it a great destination for pedestrians and cyclists.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Historic Centre of Bruges. Some of the most popular attractions and their current entry fees (as of 2021) include:
- The Belfry and the Halls: €12 for adults, €10 for students and seniors, €6 for children aged 6-17, and free for children under 6 years old.
- Historium Brugge: €15.50 for adults, €12.50 for students and seniors, €9.50 for children aged 7-17, and free for children under 7 years old.
- Groeningemuseum: €12 for adults, €10 for students and seniors, €1 for children aged 6-17, and free for children under 6 years old.
- Church of Our Lady: €6 for adults, €4 for students and seniors, €1 for children aged 6-17, and free for children under 6 years old.
- St. John's Hospital: €12 for adults, €10 for students and seniors, €6 for children aged 6-17, and free for children under 6 years old.
Brugge is easily accessible from Brussels by train. There are frequent train services from Brussels to Brugge, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour. Trains depart from Brussels Midi, Brussels Central and Brussels Nord stations. The ticket prices vary depending on the type of train and the time of day, but typically range from €10-€20 for a one-way trip. It is recommended to book in advance to secure a seat and a cheaper fare.
By Bus: There are several bus companies that operate services from Brussels to Brugge, including Flixbus and De Lijn. The journey time is approximately 2-2.5 hours and ticket prices start from €5 for a one-way trip. The bus departs from Brussels North Station and terminates at the Brugge train station.
By Car: Visitors can also reach Bruges by car, but it's important to note that the historic city center is completely car-free. Parking is available outside the city center, and visitors can take a bus or walk to reach the historic center.
Where to Stay: Bruges offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Many of these options are located in the historic center of the city, making it easy for visitors to explore the city's attractions and landmarks.