Burg, Medieval square in Brugge, Belgium.
The Burg is a compact square in central Bruges surrounded by structures from different periods. It contains the Gothic Town Hall with its distinctive bell tower, a Romanesque basilica housing holy relics, a Renaissance building with ornate stonework, and other historic structures that form the perimeter of the space.
In the 9th century, Count Arnulf I built a fortress here to defend against Viking raids, establishing the administrative center of the emerging city. Over centuries, the buildings were repeatedly rebuilt and redesigned, reflecting the changing architectural styles of the medieval and Renaissance periods.
The square served as the seat of municipal power and decision-making for centuries. Today visitors can sense this authority in the grand buildings that surround the open space.
The square is easy to navigate on foot, with all buildings visible from the open space and accessible for exterior exploration at your own pace. Some buildings allow entry to interiors where narrow passageways and steep stairs require careful footing and patience to navigate.
A bombing at the courthouse in February 1967 caused significant damage, but those responsible were never identified. This unsolved incident remains part of the square's modern history and left visible marks on surrounding structures.
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