Page 14 - The Islander - February '22

Page 14, The Islander

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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 located
in the northwest sector of
Belgium, on the Zwin Estuary,
about 10 miles south of the
country’s northern sea port of
Zeebrugge.
Those of you who watched
the 2008 crime film In Bruges starring Colin Farrell and Brandan
Gleesan will recall that the city’s well-preserved architecture
practically transports you back to medieval times. In reality, the
history of Brugge goes back much further.
The Roman Bridge, where the River Rei flows into the
estuary, was mentioned in seventh century writings. The name
given to the bridge was Municipium Brugene. The French call the
city that developed in the area “Bruges” and to the Flemish their
beautiful city is “Brugge.” Since that first bridge, approximately
60 bridges span the river, estuary and many canals that have been The picturesque docking area for the city’s tour boats
dug over the ages. These man-made canals provide waterway Photo by Don Kiselewski
access through the city.
Aft e r Brugge wa s
CDC COVID-19 Travel evangelized by St. Eloi,
bishop of Noyon Tournai,
Recommendations the first counts of Flanders
built their castles here in
By Country the ninth century. This was
to protect them from the
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/ Norman invaders. By the
map-and-travel-notices.html 13th century, Brugge held a
monopoly on English wool,
was a leading emporium for
the Hanseatic League, and,
with the other “members
of Flanders” (Ghent and
Ypres), virtually governed
the entire province. In the
face of attack, the area
maintained its independence
from the French in 1302,
and thereafter, grew to its
commercial zenith in the
next century. A horse-drawn carriage tours the historic city.
Water access to the sea Photo by Don Kiselewki
was of prime importance to
Singer Island Liquor Booth the city. As a result of this accessibility, Brugge became a the sea. When this occurred, the city began its decline as

(561) 842-4318 trading center for the Hanseatic League. Brugge reached a trade center, but remained brilliant and powerful as the
the height of importance in the 15th century, where again court of the dukes of Burgundy (known as the counts of
Liquor • Beer • Wine • Cigars we see Mother Nature imposing her will. It was at this Flanders after 1384). It also became the artistic center of
time that the Zein Estuary silted up, prohibiting access to the Flemish school until religious and political struggles
We are located directly on singer island! of the 16th century completed its ruin. However, the
same artistry in tapestry is being demonstrated today as
1241 Blue Heron Blvd. it did centuries ago. One must only behold the Flemish
riviera Beach tapestries that line the walls of the Sistine Chapel in Rome
Ask About Delivery to truly appreciate the art form.
Brugge remained a sleepy medieval town until 1907,
when a new canal was dug to the port in Zeebrugge. This
revived trade and stimulated industry and tourism.
During the two world wars, Germany occupied
Belgium. The port of Zeebrugge was blocked from use
as a German submarine base in 1918, when the British
attacked and sunk German ships in the mouth of the
harbor.
TripleHHardware.com Brugge depends heavily upon tourism as an economic
561-331-8373 base. As a rail and canal junction, the area now produces

Singer Island ships, electronic equipment, dyes, yeast and industrial
glass. But it is still the native handicrafts that draw
1217 E. Blue Heron Blvd., tourists. Spinning, weaving and lace making are the
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traditional skills passed down through the ages to today.
The lace work that is produced in the city is truly
High Tide • Toilet & Sink Repair amazing. I developed an appreciation for this skill several
Handyman, LLC • Door Replacement years ago while watching an elderly woman tying lace
with more than 50 individual wooden spools of thread
Singer Island • Ceiling Fan Installation being incorporated in the pattern. About two years later
• Electrical Fixtures I again visited the shop to inquire about the artisan that
561-814-5106 • Cabinet Installation I had previously seen tying the pattern. The shop owner

• Custom Closets advised that, at 103, the master lace maker was starting
The belfry of Bruges was a prominent landmark in the to slow up, only visiting the shop periodically. Hopefully
2008 film In Bruges. It is also known locally as Halletoren, her artistry will not be lost.
Many More Services Available meaning “tower of the halls.”
Photo by Graham Richter Travel on page 16