Probably the most notable structure in Bruges is the Belfry. This prominent tower constructed first in the 13th Century and refurbished over the centuries has remained a sentinel over the city for over 700 years. The Belfry today allows visitors access, however the 300 or so odd steps up to the top require a bit of cardio fitness and the carilloneur or bell-ringer hits those 47 on the hour. The bells range from the very small to the extremely gigantic, in fact, the largest bell weighs over five tons.
Muziekclub 4AD as the name suggests is a club dedicated to music. Throughout the year, it hosts concerts featuring local, national and even international artists and bands. There is no restriction about the genres being played here, from pop to jazz, the events calender boasts off a vivid variety. Though, primarily, 4AD focuses on music, musicians, singers and song writers, it also ventures beyond that and hosts art exhibitions, drama, workshops, seminars and similar events pertaining to different forms of art. Given the nature of events held here and its pursuit for innovation, Muziekclub 4AD can rightly be touted as creative hub of the city.
A beguinage in the Middle Ages was known as a place of refuge for women in danger, those of ill-repute or simply lay-women who sought something other than a secular life. Through a clearing of poplar trees and daffodil-laden fields, the peculiar white houses of Bruges' Beguinage can be seen. This utterly serene beguinage dates back to the 13th century, a time when more and more women were committing themselves to a life of piety. The buildings dotting the tranquil expanse are newer as compared to the actual institution, and date back to the 19th century. Although the beguines no longer reside here, the beguinage is still home to several nuns of the Benedictine order. It diligently promotes silence in its environs, a reason why there is always an air of quietude in its surroundings.
This basilica as its namesake suggests, allegedly contains a relic of Christ, brought forth by Joseph of Arimithea. The cathedral itself is a mish-mash of Gothic and Romanesque styles and is composed of two chapels, the opulence of the basilica is quite impressive (as most Catholic churches usually are) and to see the relic, go to the upper chapel and there is a silver tabernacle that contains the rock-crystal vial with Jesus' blood.
A much newer cathedral than Our Beloved Lady right nearby, the Sint-Salvator Cathedral is an amalgam of architecture dating from as far back as the 9th Century up to the present day. Today, the church holds the largest congregation in Bruges and the tapestries by Jasper van der Borcht in 1731 are just one of the highlights while here.
Designed by the architect Gaston Eysselinck, this historic structure was built in the early 1950s and served as a post office in Ostend. It was in 1981 that it was declared a protected monument, even dubbed a masterpiece in Flemish architecture. With a splendid sculpture by Jozef Cantré at its entrance, the post office was revived and converted into a buzzing cultural center in 2013. Today the Cultuurcentrum De Grote Post, with its large concert halls, dance studios, an amphitheater and cafe, is leading a cultural revolution. Expect performances by some of the best talents in the country, be it theater, music or dance, at this majestic venue that has stood the test of time.
In 1924 Michel Thiery, a Belgian biologist and teacher in Ghent, founded the natural history museum. It is the basis of the De wereld van Kina museum which was formerly named after him and boasts a number of valuable collections. There is a collection of Belgian rocks and minerals. Fossils and visual aids tell you more about the creation and structure of the earth, the history of life, all kinds of animals and the human species. At 11 am and 3 pm, the sound-and-light programme Gent en Keizer Karel informs you about life in Ghent in the days of Emperor Charles V.
Located in Bruges, the Tillegem Castle is one of the most impressive castles in the entire region. The grounds on which it is situated are surrounded by a moat and today visitors can travel back in time with the history of West-Flanders. The castle remains closed however, the park is open to public visitations.
The Green Tent is a little museum that exhibits the life and times of the village of Dudzele. This museum is located just north of Bruges and the village is nice itself, a quaint little escape. The museum is primarily stocked with archives and exhibits in regards to land reclamation, economy and history of this region on the Flanders coast. Inside, the visitor will notice that the museum usually is holding an event, no matter what time of year.
In a city filled with ancient art and buildings, there is still a modern influence, however small, and the Galerie PinsArt is the place to find these more contemporary works. Set in a space that provides light and space, the gallery displays diverse pieces that range from multi-media expositions to sculpture installations. It is a nice museum to visit, when tired of the more archaic museums in town.
On the Western Front in the Ypres Salient lies Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery and Memorial to the Missing. This is a Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) burial ground for the dead of the First World War, assigned to the United Kingdom by King Albert I of Belgium. These grounds were awarded to them for serving Belgium in the time of war, and for the numerous sacrifices they made in order to bring freedom to the land. The haunting beauty of the cemetery and the surrounding landscape invites contemplation, ensuring that the memory of the fallen is eternally honored in this sacred space.