Bruges is considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in Europe. Visitors who come here on the snow months or December and January can never get enough of the enchanting and breathtaking snowy landscapes of this city. One of the most beautiful places in Bruges is Minnewater. The Minnewater is a canalized lake and the Minnewater along with it's park form the entrance to this beautiful city. You can enjoy a nice panoramic view over the town, from the bridge. Due to the idyllic surroundings, the Minnewater it is referred to as 'the lake of Love', the Dutch word 'Minne' meaning 'love'.

It's an important city in Belgium with a population of about 120,000 inhabitants. What is unique about this city is that it takes you back to medieval times with it beautiful and well preserved medieval architecture buildings. Famous buildings to see in Bruges are the "Beguinage", "Heilig Bloed Basiliek" or the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the "Modern Concert Hall".

Important places for tourists to visit in Bruges are "The Beguinage", "Our Lady's Church", "St. John's Hospital", "St. Salvator's Cathedral" and "Gruuthuse".

Another oft visited spot is the Bruges market. It is one of the most attractive parts of the city. The main monument here is the Belfry tower. It is one of the oft visited spots and the city employs a full-time bell ringer, who puts on regular free concerts. On the Northern side of the Market is Provincial Court. In the centre of the market is the statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, which honors the two leaders of the 'Battle of the Golden Spurs' which took place in 1302.

Visiting the beautiful canals of Bruges can be a moving experience. Bruges is called 'The Venice of the North'. Today, you won't find any commercial ships sailing on the Bruges and it has now become a place exclusively meant for tourist boats. 

The best way to enjoy the natural beauty and old charm of this city is to take a stroll at night when the bustle of day activities have gone down so that you can take in it's antiquity amidst calm surroundings.
 

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Joushua James - Getting to know the city of Bruges