Page 12 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens - February '22

Page 12, Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens
Bruges The Bridge

By Don Kiselewski, MCC,
D.S., Palm Beach Gardens
Travel Leaders
Brugge – better known
here as Bruges – is a city
of medieval aspect, dotted
with cathedrals and ancient
homes that are often filled
with art of great value. It’s A panoramic shot from atop the Bruges belfry Photo by Nacho Castejón Martinez
located in the northwest
sector of Belgium, on the The Roman Bridge, where the River Rei
Zwin Estuary, about 10 miles flows into the estuary, was mentioned in
south of the country’s northern sea port of Zeebrugge. seventh century writings. The name given
Those of you who watched the 2008 crime film In Bruges to the bridge was Municipium Brugene.
starring Colin Farrell and Brandan Gleesan will recall that The French call the city that developed in
the city’s well-preserved architecture practically transports the area “Bruges” and to the Flemish their
you back to medieval times. In reality, the history of Brugge beautiful city is “Brugge.” Since that first
goes back much further. bridge, approximately 60 bridges span the
river, estuary and many canals that have been
dug over the ages. These man-made canals
provide waterway access through the city.
After Brugge was evangelized by St.
Eloi, bishop of Noyon Tournai, the first The picturesque docking area for the city’s tour boats
counts of Flanders built their castles here in Photo by Don Kiselewski
the ninth century. This was to protect them
from the Norman invaders. By the 13th century, Brugge held in tapestry is being demonstrated today as it did centuries ago.
a monopoly on English wool, was a leading emporium for the One must only behold the Flemish tapestries that line the walls
Hanseatic League, and, with the other “members of Flanders” of the Sistine Chapel in Rome to truly appreciate the art form.
(Ghent and Ypres), virtually governed the entire province. In Brugge remained a sleepy medieval town until 1907, when
the face of attack, the area maintained its independence from a new canal was dug to the port in Zeebrugge. This revived
the French in 1302, and thereafter, grew to its commercial trade and stimulated industry and tourism.
zenith in the next century. During the two world wars, Germany occupied Belgium.
Water access to the sea was of prime importance to the The port of Zeebrugge was blocked from use as a German
A horse-drawn carriage tours the historic city. city. As a result of this accessibility, Brugge became a trading submarine base in 1918, when the British attacked and sunk
Photo by Don Kiselewki center for the Hanseatic League. Brugge reached the height of German ships in the mouth of the harbor.
importance in the 15th century, where again we see Mother Brugge depends heavily upon tourism as an economic base.
Nature imposing her will. It was at this time that the Zein Estuary As a rail and canal junction, the area now produces ships,
silted up, prohibiting access to the sea. When this occurred, the electronic equipment, dyes, yeast and industrial glass. But
city began its decline as a trade center, but remained brilliant and it is still the native handicrafts that draw tourists. Spinning,
powerful as the court of the dukes of Burgundy (known as the weaving and lace making are the traditional skills passed down
counts of Flanders after 1384). It also became the artistic center through the ages to today.
of the Flemish school until religious and political struggles of
the 16th century completed its ruin. However, the same artistry Bruges The Bridge on page 13

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The belfry of Bruges was a prominent landmark in the
2008 film In Bruges. It is also known locally as Halletoren,
meaning “tower of the halls.”
Photo by Graham Richter
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