Today, we decided to go a bit far afield by taking a 61 mile road trip to the town of Brugge. This largest city and capital of West Flanders is a UNESCO world heritage site. It's name most likely derives from Old Dutch for "bridge. Brugge was fortified in the first century B.C. against marauding pirates. The many canals throughout the city gave it the nickname of "The Venice of the North". Because of its role in the 1600's as the portal for the "Amber Road" (a trade route to the East) Brugge was considered the chief commercial city of the world. The Renaissance architecture was delightful to see. We had a great time visiting Brugge.
One of the first structures we encountered was the Saint Salvador Cathedral. For the first 800 years, this was just a common parish church. A new bishop was installed following Belgium independence in 1834 and this church was elevated to cathedral status.
Originally built in 1717 by Jacobus Van Eynde, this organ was rebut three times during the 20th century.
The shrine of Saint Eligius is dedicated to the patron saint of goldsmiths, coin collectors, and other metal workers.
Another hallmark of this cathedral are its beautiful stained glass windows.
Dominating the central square is this 83 meter high belfry. Constructed in three sections, the bottom two were constructed in the 13th century. The top octagonal section took four years to complete (1482 to 1486).
Situated next to the belfry, the town hall's most notable characteristic is the very ornate Alderman's Chamber, constructed in 1884.
In one corner of the central square is the Basilica of the Sacred Blood. This was originally built between 1134 and 1157 as a chapel for the residence of the Count of Flanders.
Allegedly, Joseph of Aremothea collected a sample of "Holy Blood" and brought it to this Basilica. While it has been dated to be over two thousand years old, there is no definitive proof that it is truly Christ's blood.
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