Huyze Cordoeanier

Burg This place was already inhabited in the 2nd century AD, and in the 9th century it became the base of operations of the Count of Flanders. The Palace of the Liberty of Bruges was the place from which the surrounding countryside was governed from the Late Middle Ages until 1795. Then the buildings were occupied by law courts for nearly 200 years. To the left of the 14th-century city hall you will find the old Court of Justice, a rare example of Renaissance architecture in Bruges, and to the right you will find the Basilica of the Holy Blood, where the relic of the Holy Blood is kept. Markt Markt is dominated by its Belfry, for centuries the city’s foremost edifice and the perfect look-out in case of war, fire or any other calamity. You can still climb to the top of the tower! At the foot of the Belfry are the world’s most famous chippies (frietkoten)! The statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck graces the middle of the square. These two popular heroes of Bruges resisted French oppression and consequently played an important part during the Battle of the Golden Spurs in 1302. Their statue neatly looks out onto the Gothic revival style Provincial Palace (Markt 3). Until the 18th century this used to be the extremely busy Waterhalle, a covered warehouse where goods were loaded and unloaded along the canals that ran alongside the square. Today the canals are still there, albeit underground. Concert Hall This international music and art centre is one of the 1001 buildings you must see before you die. It is a place that offers the very best in contemporary dance and classical music. The impressive Concert Auditorium (1,289 seats) and intimate Chamber Music Hall (322 seats) are famed for their excellent acoustics. In the Concert Hall you can also admire various contemporary works of art.

D I S C O V E R I N G B R U G E S

Markt

Burg

Concert Hall