Welcome back dear scene walker.
Have you heard of the Belgian city Bruges (Brugge)?
If not, it is rich in fascinating history and one of the top tourist sites in Belgium.
The famous movie “In Bruges” was also filmed here.
The historic city center is a prominent UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s the capital and largest city of West Flanders and the 6th most populous city in Belgium (118,500).
Bruges, together with Amsterdam and St Petersburg, is sometimes referred to as the Venice of the North.
To learn more about the fascinating past, we have to go back to the very beginning and the Golden age.
The name “Brugge” appears for the first time in the 9th century, derived from the Old Germanic word ‘brugj’, meaning ‘to moor’.
The city is connected to the North Sea via a series of tidal channels.
It was the connection to the sea that made Bruges the trading city.
Bruges received city rights in the year 1128.
The presence of the Flemish counts made the city a fortified and powerful political stronghold.
In the 13th century, Bruges was the leading trade center of Northwestern Europe.
The world’s first stock exchange was founded in Bruges.
This success continued and in the 15th century Bruges experienced its golden age.
Bruges became known worldwide for its trade in wool and cloth.
Bruges was also known for its high-quality lace fabric, a specialty that was only affordable for the wealthy.
Numerous famous painters and other fine arts flourished during the Golden Age.
Many of the prominent churches, the unique nation houses and the town hall were also completed.
In 1302, the Bruges Matins (massacre) took place against the French, leading to the famous Franco-Flemish Battle of the Golden Spurs.
The history of Bruges contains many battles, including numerous battles with another prominent Flemish city, Ghent.
Unfortunately, the tide turned towards the end of the 15th century, with the sudden death of the beloved mistress, Mary of Burgundy.
To make matters worse, Bruges’ connection to the sea silted up, after which the city of Antwerp rapidly gained in importance.
Bruges never recovered and went through centuries of impoverishment, long eras of war and regime changes.
It is important to note that the city was spared from destruction during WW1 and WW2.
The resurgence of fame returned at the end of the 19th century, entering the era of tourism.
bruges became known as the mysterious place that was once the center of the world.
Thanks for watching and hope to see you in the next scene.
~Sevy