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.
Location: Bruges
GPS coordinates: 51.20860,3.22682
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04
Collection of historical and architectural landmarks in the medieval city of Bruges, including religious buildings, squares, canals, and museums that represent the city's cultural heritage from the 13th to 15th centuries.
Flanders in Belgium is a region with a rich history stretching back centuries. Visitors find medieval town centers, old castles, cathedrals, and museums that tell stories of trade, art, and craftsmanship. Cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp display the architecture and culture of earlier times, while smaller towns like Damme and Veurne preserve the character of the past. In Bruges, visitors can walk through narrow streets, relax by the canals, and taste Belgian beer in traditional breweries. Ghent stands out for its Graslei waterfront and the imposing Castle of the Counts of Flanders. Antwerp offers a town hall on the Grand-Place, a respected diamond museum, and the Rubenshuis, the home of painter Peter Paul Rubens. Along the coast, visitors find beach towns like Blankenberge and Knokke-Heist, a nostalgic tram, and nature reserves. Inland, there are war museums in Ieper, chocolate museums in several cities, and specialized collections like the harp museum. Fishermen in Oostduinkerke preserve traditional methods, while parks and nature areas offer space to explore.
Museum van het Heilig Bloed
31 m
Belfry of Bruges
144 m
Markt
204 m
Historic Centre of Brugge
113 m
Bruges City Hall
61 m
Provinciaal Hof
118 m
Brugs Beer Museum
95 m
Fish market
130 m
Historium Bruges
150 m
Cranenburg House
222 m
Rosary Quay
154 m
Old Civil Registry of the City of Bruges
53 m
Nepomucenusbrug
173 m
Het Steen
40 m
Provostry of St. Donatian
38 m
Niobe
99 m
Sint-Godelieveabdij
170 m
Torture Museum Bruges
113 m
Ambachtshuis van de huidenvetters
129 m
Hotel de Orangerie
185 m
House Perez de Malvenda
153 m
Kartuizerinnenkapel
200 m
Wollestraat 34
174 m
Saint John of Nepomuk
178 m
Monument to Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck
188 m
Manor of the Liberty of Bruges
65 m
Frank Van Acker
97 m
Blinde Ezelbrug
82 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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