What to do in Bruges: a fairy tale

What to do in Bruges : once upon a time (and there still is) a small village in the north-west of Belgium where time seems to stand still, where the medieval style echoes in every corner, where the streets are made of cobblestones, the canals remind you of the sea, where the tolling of the bells of the central tower, walking through the city, make you live new emotions and several making you catapult to another era.

Together with me , you will take a short tour of this wonderful city where I recommend places not to be missed and which (in my opinion) is worth living, and will be the beginning of a real fairy tale ...

What to do in Bruges: Old Town

Walking through Bruges it is almost impossible not to come across the historic center, where there is one of the most fascinating glimpses of the city made of canals, colored brick houses, and where you can take 5 minutes of total relaxation by sitting on a bench.

Casa Arents is nearby and you can discover the eclectic creations of the English artist Frank Brangwin (1867-1956), also the Gruuthusemuseum , which preserves the evidence of the wealth of the Lord of Gruuthuse, to whom in the past the privileges of the commerce of the "Gruute", a mixture of herbs used in the preparation of beer.

In a labyrinthine tangle of rooms, a collection of decorative arts is exhibited, ranging from the thirteenth to the nineteenth century, including tapestries, furniture, precious metal objects, ceramics, weapons and musical instruments.

From here you can easily reach other places of interest in a few minutes and which I will explain to you at 2)

What to do in Bruges: Sint Janshospitaal

A few minutes from the historic center (point 1) , always through medieval bridges and roads you can reach the Sint - Janshospitaal , historic site and today museum .
Finding yourself as you walk, a hospital on a stretch of water is not sure thing every day, so the visual impact is almost surreal.

The ancient hospital was founded around 1150 and therefore represents one of the oldest health institutions in Europe.
Remained in service until 1977, it was then transformed into the Hans Memlingmuseum , containing some important works of the artist Hans Memling
The hospital is also used as an exhibition venue for temporary exhibitions and as a congress center.

What to do in Bruges: Minnewaterpark

The Minnewaterpark is definitely another place to see in Bruges. Its name derives from the Dutchman Minne who means "love" , so much so that it is considered the Lake of love .
You can easily get there on foot by walking among houses with pitched roofs and green areas.

The most suggestive thing is the Castle which overlooks the lake and which allows this wonderful fairy tale to continue in the best way.
Very recommended for couples in love (see me and the bench) and for a stop for complete relaxation.

From the lake you can access a public park on foot or by bicycle and continue this tour in the name of discovering nature and historic buildings.

What to do in Bruges: Rozenhoedkaai

Along the canals of Bruges you will surely come across another suggestive place, a small pond where the historical houses of Bruges . It is a refreshment point, as well as a tourist reference.

In fact, here you will find, in addition to several bars and pubs where you can stop and take a break during your daily journey in the city of Bruges, the boats that make you go around the city through the narrow canals. And for a moment it's a bit like being in Venice.

What to do in Bruges: St. Salvator's Cathedral

The Saint Savior Cathedral, (Sint-Salvatorskathedraal) is the main church in the city of Bruges in Belgium. Dedicated to Christ the Savior and San Donaziano of Reims, only in the nineteenth century following the demolition of the ancient city cathedral that stood in front of the town hall.

It's midnight, it starts to snow. The fairy tale continues ...

It's about 11.45pm , I just got out of a pub in the city and I walk towards my b & b. The journey is about 10 minutes on foot, it will take 45 minutes. It started to snow.

I think the "phenomenon" of snowing is one of the strangest of the atmospheric ones. For someone like me, who lives in a seaside city like Naples is also rare .

Snowing seems almost hypnotic , it releases a feeling of relaxation and serenity. Almost an inner peace, as if something magical was happening. And you wish it would never end.

Well, in fact, my first thought, in addition to that of take immediately some photos, was to come back to b&b. Come back and then put me up early . Hoping that the roofs would all be covered with snow the next day.

7:00 am , the alarm rings. I immediately jump out of bed to look out the window of my small room. I spend about thirty seconds observing the show that appears in front of my eyes.

And just as a child , I prepare quickly so as not to waste even a moment. So as not to miss the opportunity to photograph a European pearl covered with snow.

It was one of the days I will never forget in my life . I went back to all the places where I had already been to photograph them covered in snow.

It was beautiful, the scenery had literally changed. Each place already seen had a different, new, changed air. But it was always the little Bruges.

But you know, the old sayings are never wrong, in the small barrel there is good wine.

Conclusions

After this "lucky" tour de force under the snow my experience in Bruges turned to the term.

Yes, because in the little Bruges my stay lasted 3 days (2 nights) . But they were intense, full, without stopping for a moment. I discovered a timeless place, a magical place (with and without snow), a place worth visiting.

• To conclude, therefore, I can advise you to stay there at least 2 nights . Try to arrive early in the morning.

• From Brussels airport to Bruges it is about an hour away. You can take the train at the airport. I attach link: http: // bit .ly / FromBruxellesAirportToBruges
  
• Perfect place for couples and families looking for relaxation and a few days of total peace

The fairy tale is about to end , but then I remember that they invented photography. And it's thanks to it that I will remember this umpteenth wonderful journey .

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