British author William Makepeace Thackeray visited Bruges in the 1840s and described it as “a dead city, a ghost of former greatness,” but he also recognized its haunting beauty. In the 20th century, city planners and preservationists undertook efforts to restore and protect the historic core of Bruges. The city’s medieval buildings, churches, and canals were carefully restored using historical records and architectural expertise.
The result was a miracle of preservation. Unlike other European cities heavily damaged in the world wars, Bruges remained relatively unscathed. In 2000, UNESCO designated the entire historic center of Bruges a World Heritage Site, citing its authenticity and outstanding architectural ensemble.
Today, Bruges is a symbol of cultural continuity. Tourists stroll through Markt Square, marvel at the Belfry, visit the Church of Our Lady to see Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child, and glide along canals beneath weeping willows and arched stone bridges. Its museums, including the Groeningemuseum and the Memling Museum, house some of the finest Flemish paintings in the world.
The Architecture of Memory
What makes Bruges unique is how deeply history is embedded in its landscape. The city center is an open-air museum. The Gothic Town Hall, completed in 1421, still serves a civic function today. The Basilica of the Holy Blood, which claims to house a relic of Christ’s blood, is a major pilgrimage site. The Beguinage—a medieval convent—offers a glimpse into the lives of lay religious women who lived independently from the male-dominated Church.
The Belfry of Bruges, standing at 83 meters, dominates the skyline. Climbing its 366 steps is like ascending into the past, offering sweeping views of red-tiled rooftops and medieval spires. Each structure in Bruges is a testament to centuries of devotion, trade, conflict, and artistry.
Even the city’s layout retains its medieval charm. The winding streets were not built for cars but for carts and foot traffic. The canals—often referred to as “The Venice of the North”—not only add beauty but also reflect the city’s strategic and commercial heritage shutdown123