Bruges, Belgium and Flanders Field

Cobblestone streets, lovely canals, gorgeous market squares full of medieval architecture, and historic churches! That's what you get when you go to Bruges, Belgium. Sometimes referred to as the "Venice of the North," Bruges' history dates back to the 9th century.

In addition to all the wonderful things about Bruges I've already mentioned, do you know what else this lovely city has to offer?? Belgian waffles! You better believe we indulged in these!

Bruges' most famous church is the Church of our Lady. The church's tower is the tallest structure in the city, as well as the second tallest brickwork tower in the world.

 

The church houses one of Michaelangelo's famous sculptures, Madonna and Child. This is the only one of his sculptures which left Italy during his lifetime. If you've seen the movie, The Monuments Men, you'll remember that this was one of the pieces of art the American soldiers were searching for. It was removed in 1944 by German soldiers who hid it in an Austrian salt mine. The sculpture was located and returned a year later by Allied forces.

 

 

 

 

We also had the privilege to visit Flanders Field American Cemetery, not far from Bruges. It is the only World War I American cemetery in Belgium. Intense fighting occurred in the Flanders Field area during the war and was commemorated in a poem entitled In Flanders Field written by LTC John McCrae after he witnessed the death of his friend and fellow soldier.

There's so much history, beauty, and good food in Belgium. We had a great time crossing this one off our list!