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Thursday, May 30, 2024

Exploring the History and Charm of Brugge, Belgium -

street signs to Brugge, Belgium


One of our favorite cruise excursions was in Bruges, Belgium where we engaged in a tour of the medieval history of this charming city. 

Had To Eat Belgium Waffles
This included my husband indulging in Belgium waffles. I could not find gluten-free waffles, so I settled for Belgium chocolate. Chocolatiers were on every street with types of chocolate than I have ever seen. 
Read on to hear and see more about Bruges.


Belgium is famous for it's waffles 


man eating waffles and fruit
Albert enjoying Belgium Waffles topped
 with fresh fruit and clotted cream (which cost extra)

Large Tour Group of 50 
Our tour guide gave us all ear phones which connected to her microphone. We were able to hear her a half block away so despite the very crowded streets and our tour of 50 persons, we didn't get lost. In addition, she gave us an emergency number to text her if we did. This way we could hear what she was saying despite the large group. 


It was a lot of walking! This was not for sissies. We walked for an hour and half on old cobblestone streets. The town was historic dating back to at least the 9th century, with buildings that are grand and beautiful.  Some areas had canals which reminded us of Venice.  

Belfry Of Bruges Brugge photo and picture
                 The Belfry of Brugge 

Large Market photo and picture
Large Market Area in Brugge 

Bruges Brugges photo and picture
The Beautiful Canals 

Bruges Belgium photo and picture

Bruges Belgium photo and picture

Bruges Church photo and picture

The Story of the Swans in Brugge-


Swan Bird photo and picture

Our tour guide told us that the swans in Brugge have a fascinating history intertwined with the city's history and folklore. Legend has it that in the 15th century, the people of Brugge were condemned to poverty and starvation due to a tyrant ruling over the city. The tyrant's punishment for disobedience was severe: he ordered the execution of one of the city's most prominent citizens, Pieter Lanchals whose family crest featured swans.


Brugge swans


As he was being led to his execution, he told the people of the city to keep swans in Bruges, and as long as there were swans, the city would remain free of tyranny.

After Lanchal was executed, the people of Bruges kept swans in the city's canals and lakes as a symbol of resistance against oppression. 

Over time, this tradition and swans became a symbol of Brugge, and swans can always be seen in Brugge's waterways and parks.

If a swan dies, it is immediately replaced to make sure there is always good luck and freedom in Brugge. 


I finished my tour and hit quite a few of the chocolate shops. 





Brugge candy

Brugge candy

The day was memorable! We loved our day in Brugge!

My Notes: How do you spell Bruges ? Brugge? 

Bruges is the English and French spelling and pronunciation . 
Brugge is the Flemish spelling and pronunciation. 
Either is considered correct.

26 comments:

  1. This looks just fabulous -- a spot I've never been but I think I would fall in love with it should I be there. I love the buildings. And the idea of the headphones is a good one. I'm not even a chocolate fan but I have a feeling I'd have more than my share if I was there!

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    1. The city is old and with a fascinating history. Not to mention beautiful and very clean!

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  2. Dave and I have Belgium on our list of places to visit and Brugge is a place we will most definitely go to.
    Tandy | Lavender and Lime https://tandysinclair.com

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    1. Tandy, I do recommend Brugge- it the highlight of our trip!

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  3. Indeed a very charming city! The Belgium chocolate are pretty awesome!

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    1. The chocolate was awesome and so diverse. Every store seemed to carry their specialties.

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  4. It's a beautiful, fascinating older city. I enjoyed every photo.

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  5. However it's written, it's a lovely city, and the food there is delicious. And chocolate and waffles are always wonderful Thaks for sharing the wonderful pictures, they have brought me many happy memories! Hugs, Valerie

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    Replies
    1. I was so happy to visit. It is a remarkably interesting and beautiful city,

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  6. Belgium is a beautiful city. I am both a fan of Belgian waffles and chocolate! I know you had a great time and enjoyed the city, Thanks for taking the time to share your journey with us.

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    1. The chocolate was plentiful and delicious.

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  7. What I would like to know is how you pronounce the name of the city! These pictures are beautiful. It looked like a beautiful place and lots of delicious options. Too bad they didn’t have gluten free waffles. ❤️

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  8. I have never been fortunate enough to make it to Belgium. Thanks for the wonderful post allowing me to live vicariously through you.

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    Replies
    1. It was my first time and the city of Brugge is fabulous.

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  9. I’m glad you had a great time in Belgium. The cobblestone streets, the architecture, the canals, the swan story, the food and chocolate everything sounds interesting.

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  10. What a gorgeous place. The buildings are amazing. Belgium chocolate and waffles sound amazing!! I'm happy to hear you had a wonderful time

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    1. They are famous for their waffles and chocolate so we had to try them.

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  11. Oh Judee this is all just SO charming! The swans! The chocolate! The Flemish architecture! My sister has been married to a Frenchman for -- well, a long time. Since 1976, hahaha! They met in Belgium. Such a beautiful, lovely place! I feel now as though I have been there! And good on Albert for paying extra for the clotted cream for the top of that fruity waffle! You only live once. xoxo

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    Replies
    1. charming is the word for Brugge. Yes, Albert enjoyed every mouthful

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  12. Such a great experience and gorgeous pictures!

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  13. such a pretty place!! i could spend all day in a chocolate shop...the chocolates look amazing!!

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  14. Oh we visited Bruges during our travel across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg - stayed here for a night 3 weeks ago! It is surely one of the best places we've seen during the vacation, and in my book it's the most beautiful spot from what we seen in Belgium. We never had any waffles while in Belgium though - what a shame! :)

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  15. I have good memories of our visit to Brugge. It was a beautiful place. I well remember all the chocolate shops too!

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