022 BELGIUM - Historic Centre of Brugge (WHS)

Bruges (English: Brugge) is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It is located in the northwest of the country. Bruges received its city charter in 1128 and new walls and canals were built. Since about 1050. gradual silting had caused the city to lose its direct access to the sea. A storm in 1134, however, reestablished this access through the creation of a natural channel. The new sea arm stretched all the way to Damme, a city that became the commercial outpost for Bruges.

Brugge is an outstanding example of a medieval historic settlement which has maintained its historic fabrics as this has envolved over the centuries and where original Gothic constructions form part of the town's identity. As one of the commercial and cultural capitals of Europe, Brugge developed cultural links to different parts of the world. It is closely associated with the school of Flemish Primitive painting.

About the sender

Lara Van Houcke (direct swap) sent from Ertvelde (Belgium) on 10.09.2013