This section does not cover all there is to see and do in Brussels and Bruge.  It doesn't even cover all that we saw.  Both cities have a wealth of churches and museums (both large and small). 

Brussels

Grand Place - Called the most beautiful medieval square in Europe. Its lined with wonderful buildings, most of which once served as guild halls. On the last night we were there the buildings were strung with Christmas lights in addition to the normal illumination. The effect was absolutely stunning. The largest buildings are the Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) and the Maison du Roi (which translates as King's House but was actually Bakers guild hall). Each of the guild halls is decorated with interesting statues. A swan marks the butchers guild, a she-wolf the archers and a pigeon the painters guild. Also, not to missed is the Chocolate Museum. Besides handing out free chocolate samples, it has a small but interesting display on the history and processing of chocolate. The displays in the chocolate shop windows were not to be believed. As is the heavenly chocolate they sold were not enough, each store had elaborate displays.

Manneken-Pis - A short walk away is the unlikely mascot of Brussels, a small statue of a little boy peeing. Hundreds of costumes have been created for the statue and most can be seen at the Maison de Roi in the city museum.

Museums of Ancient and Modern Art - We only visited the Ancient art section and did not see everything before we tired of being inside. This museum was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte. The museum has a large collection of Belgium works. Paintings of Bruegels fills one large room. The canvases are of an equally grand scale. There is also a sculpture garden but, we did not have time to see it.

Cathedral of St. Michael - This church is also known by the name St. Gudule and it stands on the site of an 11th century baptistery. It has beautiful stained glass windows. When we were their the choir was practicing for a concert and they filled the church with wonderful sounds.

Bruges

I really liked Bruges.  While many places in Europe look old to American travelers, this city was the best example that I've seen so far.  Besides the lack of modern buildings, the city was very clean and the canals, parks and squares gave it a refined and relaxed feel.  I think it would be nice to visit in the springs, before the summer crowds arrived, while everything was in bloom.

City Hall - On the second floor is an impressive wooden gothic hall with historic wall-paintings. The building also houses a collection of paintings and items related to the history of Bruges. Your entrance fee also covers a handy audio-guide phone. This building sits on a square called the Burg that together with a church, a huge tower, the Civil Recorder's House and the Palace of Bruges Vrije was walled in and closed with four gates. Built by the Counts of Flanders, it was separate from the rest of Bruges until the 18^th century.  The Basilica of the Holy Blood is next to City Hall but, it was covered for restoration.  This is one of the few problems with visiting Europe in the winter.  Many buildings are obscured by cleaning or restoration work and often statues and fountains are also covered.

Groeninge Museum - Works of the "Flemish Primitives" are the highlights of this museum. The available audio-guide phones explain both the 15th-20th century Dutch and Belgian paintings and the different artists and schools of art.

Church of Our Lady - This church dates to the 13^th century. Unfortunately the outside was being cleaned (as where many buildings) when we were there. Inside was the true prize though. A Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo. This is one of the few examples of his sculpture work outside of Italy. This church also serves as the final resting place of Charles the Bold and Mary of Burgundy.    Continue   Photos

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Last modified: 03/29/05