After leaving the Netherlands (week 1 with the car) we drove through farm lands and a long tunnel with our first stop
Brugges
We parked on the outskirts of Brugges and walked into the centre. Our accommodation was 10 mins drive away from the centre and not available to late afternoon. We stayed there three nights, it was lousy but convenient.
Walking into the town centre, we had to wait at one of the city gates for the bridge to-open for a large cargo barge to pass. The large canal circles the city.
We visited the Burg square first then the Market square sighting the Bellfry (Belfort) which has 47 bells and dates from the 13 century, its tower dominating the square.
Next door was the provisional palace which we explored inside the next day
Its grand staircase, council chamber with glass stained windows and light fittings, the balcony chamber had lovely gothic style features.
On the outside a golden statue of St Micheal stabbing a dragon.
A cruise of the canals was great passing numerous buildings including, lower houses from the 16th-18th century, the white house was where Audrey Hepburn lived for a few years. Others included the towers house of justice etc . Their are 16 km of canals the tour only covered 3km.
Beer shops were plentiful in Brugges and John overwelmed by the choice. Belgium beers are very strong between 6 and 10%, compared to Australian beer
chocolate shops were everywhere, I sampled a few!!
The following day we saw a million streets took pictures from Rosemary quay and numerous other canals
The kissing bridge…. Meerburg bridge is a famous landmark.
The church saint Sauveur ( saviours) cathredral had amazing art , tapestries and altar pieces
and the Church of our Lady had the Madonna and child statue and a copy, you had to pay to see the real one and there was a long que, so I zoomed the camera in and took a photo. The small white one is the real one , the other a copy.
This church has the second highest tower in Europe.
lots of walking and back to the station via the lake
and the Begijnhof a historical landmark and monastery.
A long but lovely day.
