Beautiful Bruges
Bit of Bruges Hostory
- From the thirteenth to the fifteenth century Bruges was the most important centre of trade in northern Europe, with 35.000 inhabitants in 1340, as many as London
- William Caxton (1422-1491) established his first printing press in Bruges and published the first printed book in the English language - The Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye in 1474
- Bruges is also famous as a centre of lace-making since the 15th century, when Charles the Fifth decreed that lace making was to be taught in the schools and convents
- Bruges (or Brugge) was founded in the 9th century by Vikings. The name Bruges is probably derived from the old-Scandinavian word ‘Brygga,’ which means ‘harbor, or mooring place.’
- By the middle of the 1800's Bruges was the poorest city in Belgium.
For Beer Drinkers
The abbey of Steenbrugge, on the edge of the city of Bruges, situated in natural surroundings, evokes for many the name of its founder, the holy Arnoldus. In times of sickness he made the population drink beer, because beer was the only drink that could stop the disease. This is how the St Arnoldus became the patron saint of the Brewers.
Choco-Late: The Bruges Chocolate Festival
April 28 through May 1, 2006
Four days of ultimate chocolate experience await you. The city’s bakers, chocolate makers and the Bruges Chocolate Museum in co-operation with the hospitality sector and the city of Bruges are the organizer behind this unique chocolate fair for consumers.
A sumptuous chocolate festival is held at Oud Sint Jan Center where craft and industrial chocolate producers will display their products. Children will get a chance to paint with chocolate and a visit to Choco- Story, the Bruges Chocolate Museum is always a treat.
For the ultimate experience there will be a chocolate trail and various chocolate makers will open up their workshops.
Airbag Festival - Belgium
The city of Bruges to the north of Belgium will be the venue of the Airbag Festival in May. With a variety of exciting performances to take place throughout the month, the organisers aim to please members of the international accordion community.
Besides some very diverse concerts in classical, Balkan, old-time jazz and electronical genres, there will also be a number of exhibitions, including the release of a book about some famous Belgian players and manufacturers.
Throughout the month Bruges becomes a real people's celebration, organisers say. "Witness the low ticket price with accordionists from the whole world and from each genre."
The venues for these performances vary from the halls, streets and squares of this medieval city, going as far as homes for the elderly, hospitals and the city prison.
For further information, email: cultuurcentrum@brugge.be
Upcoming Festival
Great place to stay before or after Werchtar, Antwerpen.
This mammoth festival of the Lowlands takes 280,000 visitors over one weekend from June into July, blazing it out in the Summer sun with a bill full of the best acts around. The first festival dates back to 1974 and has run ever since generating massive public demand due to the fantastic line ups each year. The wide range of previous acts to have graced the two stages are R.E.M., Coldplay, Metallica, Moby, Radiohead, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Deftones and Oasis.
