Classic Bruges with a Non-Classic Twist

What to Expect

Bruges Through the Ages
We will start our walk at the Market Square, where in the Middle Ages merchants, the wealthy, and traders bought and sold their goods. I will tell you about the oldest buildings on the square and the Flemish heroes who fought for independence from the French crown. Then we will make our way to Burg Square, where the city begins. You will hear the story of the stone Town Hall, built according to the Golden Ratio, and learn to recognize the local architectural styles. I will also show you the Basilica of the Holy Blood — a center of pilgrimage for believers. You will find out how the Holy Blood came to Bruges, why the relics of St. Basil were brought here, and how the annual Procession takes place.

History of Brewing and Local Crafts
From Burg, we will head through Donkey Street to the Fish Market. You will learn about the fish trade in the past and which fish was most valued. Not far from the market is the Tanners' Square. I will tell you why the tanning craft has been one of the most profitable and harmful for centuries. Here we are already at the viewing platform of the Rosary Quay — the place where rosaries were traded. I will reveal the secret of the square’s name and its legends. You will walk along the Dijver Embankment, where pagans made sacrifices, see the famous brewery, and hear about the brewing of beer in the past, popular drinks in the Middle Ages, and how many liters a resident of Bruges drank in the 15th century.

Magnificent Castle and Church with Michelangelo Sculpture
You will pass through Arentshof Garden, see the sculptural ensemble «Horsemen of the Apocalypse» and the romantic Bridge of Saint Boniface. I will tell you about Louis Vives — an outstanding humanist and educator who educated Mary Tudor herself. You will be amazed by Gruuthuse Castle and learn the story of its owner’s fabulous wealth. Visit the Church of Our Lady with paintings by Flemish artists and hear about the famous museums of the city (I will advise you on the most convenient way to visit them). After a long restoration, visitors were granted access to Michelangelo's sculpture «Madonna and Child» — you will be able to admire the beauty of this masterpiece. We will also stroll down a narrow alley where bathhouses used to be located and discuss how rich merchants took baths in the Middle Ages and what hidden purpose lay behind the seemingly harmless bathhouses.

Beguinage and Beguines
At Walplein Square, I will tell you about the sculpture of Greek gods and show you an old brewery. You will learn which types of beer are brewed here and the legend associated with one of the beer varieties. You will visit a charity house and hear about the local rules of admission and peculiarities of life. Visit the «city within the city» Beguinage and find out who the beguines are, what sets them apart from nuns, and why French kings trusted only them to treat them. At Lake of Love, I will tell you an amazing legend about swans. Upon your request, I will show you the filming locations of «In Bruges» and «The Nun's Story» with Audrey Hepburn. I will also remind you in which books by famous writers Bruges is mentioned. Finally, I will advise you on where to buy inexpensive Belgian chocolate and local lace.