Location Bruges (Brugge), Belgium

Bruges: 'The Venice of the North' Take a stroll back in time through the medieval streets.

  
The Belfry in the market Square

Godshuizen or literally translated to 'Houses of God'

The large picture above shows St John's Hospital, one of the oldest existing hospitals in Europe, In 1978, stopped functioning as a hostipal and now houses the Memling museum and the old pharmacy.

Brief History of Bruges

Bruges was founded in the 9th Century by Viking settlers. Having close proximity to the North Sea, became an international harbour. Bruges size grow and in the 12th century gained city status.

The 13th century saw traders from many different countries exchanging goods, including Flemish cloth made in cities like Gent.

14th century and Bruges is an international financial and trading centre.

15th century and the silting up of the Zwin along with competition from Antwerp began a steady decline for the city.

20th century and Bruges is awakened by a new breed of traveller called tourists, a new port called Zeebrugge is opened 10 miles from the city and along with it new developments and industries.