How to Photograph a Trip to Bruges

Bruges is an ancient Flemish city located in the Northeastern part of Belgium. From the earliest of times, Bruges was an important port city; however, in the early 11th century the channel connecting the harbor to sea began to silt over. Ship traffic began to bypass Bruges and travel to Antwerp in the east, which had a better harbor. The population and importance of Bruges began to decline, although, today, Bruges is vibrant and historic-and since it escaped the war bombings that damaged Antwerp and Brussels-it retains its medieval charm. The managers of the development have kept the old city clear of new construction and have taken great care in restoring and maintaining the culture of the city. It is sometimes called the "Venice of the North"-since it is a city connected by canals. In this article I will focus on photographing some of my favorite places in Bruges-that may not always be included in the tourist packet.

Instructions

1

Look up! A lot of the buildings in ancient Bruges were guild buildings. The guilds were very powerful in pre-industrial society. The guild houses in Bruges, like those in Amsterdam and Antwerp, are adorned with gold statues of incredible detail and workmanship. You should also take time to see the Gothic Hall, which has one of the most amazing ceilings ever created.

2




You can see wonderful churches and towers, but the architecture of even the most common place is wonderful. Pictured is an old pump house near the Miniwater section of Bruges. From the exterior you might think it was the house of a noble, but inside the pumps still work to help control the levels in the canals.

3




This image is the entrance to The Beguinage in Bruges. Americans love to take pictures of the entry, since the date of its dedication is important in American history. A Bguinage is a collection of small buildings used by Beguines for prayer and healing the sick. Beguines are sisters of the Roman Catholic Church that have dedicated themselves to healing the sick.

4




If the gate is open, you may enter the Beguinage, which is a rare treat. Outside the world is drinking beer and eating chocolate, but inside, the central court is covered with ancient trees. There is a small, simple church and other private spots to pray, like the one pictured.

5




When you are tired of walking, take a canal ride. It is a great way to see the architecture of the city, and most tour guides are well informed on the history of the area. Take the boat ride early in your visit, since it will give you a sense of where to go. Think of it as a photo-scouting mission.

6




The cafes in Bruges are some of the best, and if you like beer, you must drink some of the 2,400 branded Belgium beers. One of the best is brewed right in Bruges and has been since the 1600s. Visit the ancient Straffe Hendrik Brewery and take the tour. Stop in the bar at the end of the tour and cash in your free tickets to enjoy one on the best brews on the planet (see Resources below).

7

Even the doorways in Bruges take on architectural interest. The street in this image has a doorway. A long time ago, the small houses on the street were part of another Beguinage. When the town was restored, the tiny little houses were converted to inexpensive housing for retired workers.

8

Bruges has a great collection of gardens and fountains. This little garden in the photo is near the Miniwater. Near here you can also hire horse and carriage rides, which is yet another way to ease your feet and see the sights. Trust me, walking 8 hours on cobblestones will take it out of you.

9




Don't forget to take the postcard pictures of churches and towers. There are a few of both, and each one is more picturesque than the next. The belfry of Bruges, or Belfort, is a medieval bell tower in the historical center of the town. It was featured in the movie, "In Bruges," but has recently been closed to the public. The Church of our Lady is probably the most famous church. Inside is the famous Michelangelo painting, "Mother and Child."

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Bruges is an ancient Flemish city located in the Northeastern part of Belgium. From the earliest of times, Bruges was an important port city; however, in the early 11th century the channel connecting the harbor to sea began to silt over. Ship traffic began to bypass Bruges and travel to Antwerp in the east, which had a better harbor. The population and importance of Bruges began to decline, although, today, Bruges is vibrant and historic-and since it escaped the war bombings that damaged Antwerp and Brussels-it retains its medieval charm.

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. The managers of the development have kept the old city clear of new construction and have taken great care in restoring and maintaining the culture of the city. It is sometimes called the "Venice of the North"-since it is a city connected by canals. In this article I will focus on photographing some of my favorite places in Bruges-that may not always be included in the tourist packet.

Instructions

1

Look up! A lot of the buildings in ancient Bruges were guild buildings. The guilds were very powerful in pre-industrial society. The guild houses in Bruges, like those in Amsterdam and Antwerp, are adorned with gold statues of incredible detail and workmanship. You should also take time to see the Gothic Hall, which has one of the most amazing ceilings ever created.

2




You can see wonderful churches and towers, but the architecture of even the most common place is wonderful. Pictured is an old pump house near the Miniwater section of Bruges. From the exterior you might think it was the house of a noble, but inside the pumps still work to help control the levels in the canals.

3




This image is the entrance to The Beguinage in Bruges. Americans love to take pictures of the entry, since the date of its dedication is important in American history. A Bguinage is a collection of small buildings used by Beguines for prayer and healing the sick. Beguines are sisters of the Roman Catholic Church that have dedicated themselves to healing the sick.

4




If the gate is open, you may enter the Beguinage, which is a rare treat. Outside the world is drinking beer and eating chocolate, but inside, the central court is covered with ancient trees. There is a small, simple church and other private spots to pray, like the one pictured.

5




When you are tired of walking, take a canal ride. It is a great way to see the architecture of the city, and most tour guides are well informed on the history of the area. Take the boat ride early in your visit, since it will give you a sense of where to go. Think of it as a photo-scouting mission.

6




The cafes in Bruges are some of the best, and if you like beer, you must drink some of the 2,400 branded Belgium beers. One of the best is brewed right in Bruges and has been since the 1600s. Visit the ancient Straffe Hendrik Brewery and take the tour. Stop in the bar at the end of the tour and cash in your free tickets to enjoy one on the best brews on the planet (see Resources below).

7

Even the doorways in Bruges take on architectural interest. The street in this image has a doorway. A long time ago, the small houses on the street were part of another Beguinage. When the town was restored, the tiny little houses were converted to inexpensive housing for retired workers.

8

Bruges has a great collection of gardens and fountains. This little garden in the photo is near the Miniwater. Near here you can also hire horse and carriage rides, which is yet another way to ease your feet and see the sights. Trust me, walking 8 hours on cobblestones will take it out of you.

9




Don't forget to take the postcard pictures of churches and towers. There are a few of both, and each one is more picturesque than the next. The belfry of Bruges, or Belfort, is a medieval bell tower in the historical center of the town. It was featured in the movie, "In Bruges," but has recently been closed to the public. The Church of our Lady is probably the most famous church. Inside is the famous Michelangelo painting, "Mother and Child."

---

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