The city of Bruges (Belgium) is subject to world heritage UNESCO quite rightly refers to the most beautiful and picturesque cities in Europe. It is difficult to single out individual attractions in this city, because the whole city can be called one continuous attraction. Every day, about 10,000 tourists from Belgium and other countries come here, intending to explore the most interesting sights in Bruges - this is a very large figure, considering that the local population is only 45,000 people.
What you can see in Bruges in one day
Since the most important historical and cultural attractions of Bruges are located close to each other, if you lack time, you can allocate only one day to explore them. It will be much more convenient if you draw up the optimal travel route in advance - a map of Bruges with attractions in Russian can help with this.
By the way, for 17-20 € (the amount depends on whether the hotel provides a discount - you need to ask for it upon check-in), you can buy museum card Bruges. This card is valid for three days, and it works in most of the attractions in Bruges, which will be discussed further.
For about seven hundred years, the Grote Markt in Bruges has been the center of the city and its main square. To this day, market pavilions stand here and attract buyers, thanks to which it got its name “Market Square”. Beautiful historical buildings and simply colorful houses located around the square, numerous souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes - all this attracts tourists who come here not only from all over Belgium, but also from all over the world.
All year round, day and night, the square has its own, bright and interesting life. Here you can order a portrait from a traveling artist, listen to street musicians play, or watch a performance dance groups from different countries of the planet.
Before Christmas, a large outdoor skating rink is being set up at the Grote Markt - everyone can visit it for free, you just need to bring your skates.
It is from here, with the Market Square, famous far beyond the borders of Belgium, that most excursions begin, during which guides offer to explore the most famous sights of Bruges in one day.
Belfort Tower (Belfry) with bell tower
The first thing that attracts the attention of tourists who find themselves at the Grote Markt is the Belfort Tower, which is considered the historical and architectural symbol of the city of Bruges.
This building, reaching a height of 83 meters, has an interesting architectural design: its lower level in cross-section is a square, and the upper level is a polygon.
Inside the tower there is a narrow spiral staircase of 366 steps, rising to a small observation deck and a gallery with a bell. It will take a lot of time to visit the observation deck: firstly, going up and down the narrow stairs cannot be fast; secondly, the turnstiles operate on the principle: “one visitor leaves, one comes in.”
But those tourists who do go up to the observation deck of the tower can look at Bruges and its surroundings from a bird's eye view. The view is literally breathtaking, however, you need to choose the right day for this - without clouds, sunny!
By the way, it is best to time the ascent so that you are at the top by 15 minutes to any hour of the day - then you can not only hear the bell ringing, but also see how the musical mechanism works and how the hammers knock on the bells. There are 47 bells in the Belfort bell tower. Mary is the largest and oldest, it was cast back in the 17th century.
Visit the tower Belfort and you can look at Bruges from its height any day from 9:30 to 17:00, paying for entrance 10 €.
Town Hall (Stadhuis)
Burg Square From the Belfort Tower there is a narrow street, following which you can go to the second city square - Burg Square. In terms of its beauty and tourist attendance, it is in no way inferior to the Market Square, and there is a lot to see in Bruges in one day.
In Burg Square, the Town Hall building, which houses the Bruges City Council, looks especially elegant. This building, built in the 15th century, is a worthy example of Flemish Gothic: light facades, tracery windows, small turrets on the roof, luxurious decor and ornaments. The town hall looks so impressive that it could decorate not only a small town, but also the capital of Belgium.
In 1895-1895, during the restoration, the Small and Large Halls of the municipality were combined into the Gothic Hall - meetings of the city council are now held there and marriages are registered. The Town Hall is open to tourists.
This building also houses the Bruges City Museum.
Basilica of the Holy Blood
Burg Square On Burg Square there is a religious building, famous not only in Bruges, but throughout Belgium - this is the Church of the Holy Blood of Christ. The church received this name due to the fact that it houses an important relic for Christians: a fragment of cloth with which Joseph of Arimathea wiped the blood from the body of Jesus.
The architectural design of the building is quite interesting: the lower chapel has a strict and heavy Romanesque style, and the upper one is made in an airy style. gothic style.
Before visiting this shrine, it is advisable to find information in advance about where and what is located inside the building. In this case, it will be much easier to navigate and you will be able to see many interesting details.
Every day, at exactly 11:30, the priests bring out a piece of cloth with the blood of Jesus, placed in a beautiful glass capsule. Anyone can come and touch it, pray or just look.
Entrance to the basilica is free, but photography inside is prohibited.
Time to visit: Sunday and Saturday from 10:00 to 12:00, and from 14:00 to 17:00.
De Halve Maan Brewery Museum
There are unique museums and attractions in Bruges that will be not only interesting, but also delicious to visit! For example, the operating brewery De Halve Maan. For many centuries, since 1564, it has invariably been located in historical center city on Walplein Square, 26. Inside there are several restaurant halls, an enclosed courtyard with tables, as well as a beer museum building with an observation deck equipped on the roof.
The tour lasts 45 minutes and is in English, French or Dutch. The entrance ticket costs about 10 €, and this price includes beer tasting - by the way, beer in Belgium is unique, but very tasty.
Excursions to De Halve Maan take place according to the following schedule:
- in April - October from Monday to Friday and on Sunday every hour from 11:00 to 16:00, on Saturday from 11:00 to 17:00;
- in November - March from Monday to Friday at 11:00 and at 15:00, on Saturday and Sunday every hour from 11:00 to 16:00;
- The museum is closed on the following days: December 24 and 25, as well as January 1.
In Bruges (Belgium), sights related to brewing are not an isolated case. In the city center, at Kartuizerinnenstraat 6, there is another operating brewery - Bourgogne des Flandres.
Here you are allowed to watch the beer making process and conduct an interesting interactive tour. There are audio guides in different languages, in particular in Russian.
At the exit there is a good bar where, after the end of the tour, adult visitors are offered a glass of beer (the cost is included in the ticket price).
At the end of the excursion, everyone can receive an original souvenir reminiscent of Belgium and its delicious beer. To do this, you need to scan your ticket and take a photo. After a payment of 10 € is made at the checkout, the photo will be printed as a label and pasted onto the Burgun 0.75 bottle. A wonderful souvenir from Belgium!
Adult ticket will cost 10 €, for child – 7 €.
For tourist visits, the brewery the company is open every day of the week except Monday, from 10:00 to 18:00.
Minnewater Lake
Lake Minnewater is a surprisingly pretty and incredibly romantic place in the Minnewaterpark. Everyone who comes here for a walk is immediately greeted by snow-white swans - a whole flock of 40 birds lives here. Residents of Bruges consider swans to be a symbol of their city; many local legends and traditions are associated with these representatives of birds.
It is best to visit the park and lake in the early morning, when there is not yet a large influx of tourists. At this time, here you can take a photo with a description as a souvenir of Bruges and its attractions - the photographs turn out very picturesque, like postcards.
Beguinage
Not far from the central part of the city (from the Market Square you can take a carriage or walk) there is a quiet, cozy place - the Beguinage, a noble home-refuge for beguines.
To get to the Beguinage territory, you need to cross a small bridge. Behind it is a small chapel on the north side and a large one on the south, and between the chapels there are quiet streets with small white houses decorated with red roofs. There is also a modest park with huge old trees. The entire complex is surrounded by canals, in the waters of which swans and ducks constantly swim.
Currently, all the buildings of Beguinage are placed at the disposal of the convent of the Order of St. Benedicta.
The area is closing for tourists at 18:30.
What else can you see in Bruges in one day, if time allows?
Of course, when you arrive in Bruges, you want to see as many sights of this ancient city as possible. And if you managed to see everything recommended above in one day, and still have time left, in Bruges you will always find where to go and what to see.
So, what else to see in Bruges, if time permits? Although, perhaps it makes sense to stay here for another day or two?
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Groeningemuseum
At Dijver 12, close to the famous Bonifacius Bridge in Bruges, is the Gröninge Museum, founded in 1930. Tourists for whom “painting” is not just a word should definitely visit there and see the collections on display. There are many samples in the museum Flemish painting, dating back to the 14th century, and especially the 15th-17th centuries. There are also works by Belgian fine arts, dating from the 18th-20th centuries.
There is a museum Gröning every day of the week except Monday, from 9:30 to 17:00. The ticket costs 8 €.
Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk)
There are attractions in the city of Bruges that make it famous not only in Belgium, but throughout the world. We are talking about the Church of Our Lady, located on Mariastraat.
The architecture of this building harmoniously mixed features of Gothic and Romanesque styles. What makes the building especially impressive is the bell tower, which literally reaches into the sky with its top - this is not surprising at a height of 122 meters.
But what makes the Church of Our Lady famous is Michelangelo’s sculpture “Virgin Mary and Child” located on its territory. This is the only statue of Michelangelo taken outside of Italy during the Master’s lifetime. The sculpture is located quite far away, and is also covered with glass, and it is most convenient to look at it from the side.
Entrance to the Church of Our Lady in Bruges is free. However, to approach the altar and admire the beautiful interior decoration, as well as see the famous creation of Michelangelo, all tourists over 11 years old need buy a ticket for 4 €.
Go inside the church Our Lady and you can see the statue of the Virgin Mary from 9:30 to 17:00.
St. John's Hospital (Sint-Janshospitaal)
St. John's Hospital is located near the Cathedral of Our Lady, at Mariastraat, 38. This hospital is considered the oldest in all of Europe: it was opened in the 12th century, and it operated until the mid-20th century. Now there is a museum here, and there are several thematic rooms.
On the ground floor there is an exhibition telling about the healing of the 17th century. Here you can see the first ambulance, visit the premises of an old pharmacy with portraits of its owners hanging on the walls. The museum has a collection of supplies for the pharmacy and hospital of that time, and most of these medical instruments inspire to modern man real horror. Nevertheless, this part The museum is one of the places of great interest for those interested in the Middle Ages.
On the same floor there are six of the most iconic works famous artist Belgium by Jan Memling, who lived in Bruges.
On the second floor there is a periodic exhibition called “Bruegel’s Witches”, which tells how the image of the witch has changed over time in Western European art. Here, if you wish, you can take original 3-D photographs in witch costumes, and there are costumes in children's sizes - there will be something to see in Bruges with children!
Museum in the former St. John's Hospital open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 to 17:00.
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Walking around Bruges, exploring its various attractions, one should not forget that there are beautiful, cozy parks here. In Koningin Astridpark it will be great to relax on comfortable benches, admire old tall trees, watch the ubiquitous ducks and swans, and look at the pond with a sculpture. And also remember the well-known film “Lie Down in Bruges”, some scenes of which were filmed in this city park.
Windmills
There is a wonderful place on the eastern outskirts of Bruges, in Kruisvest, where you can take a break from the landscapes of the medieval city in an almost rural idyll. A river, the absence of cars and crowds of people, a landscape with mills, a natural hill from which you can admire Bruges from afar. Of the four mills standing here, two are operational, and one can be seen from the inside.
And don’t be afraid that it’s a long way to get to the mills! You need to go from the city center in a northeast direction, and the journey will take only 15-20 minutes. On the way from Bruges, sights will be encountered literally at every step: ancient buildings, churches. You just need to be careful, not miss a single detail and read the signs on old buildings. And on the way to the mills there are several beer bars that are not indicated on tourist maps of the city - they are visited only by local residents.
Archaeological Museum
covers all aspects of city life from the Middle Ages to the present day. Information in the museum is presented in the form of a game, during which visitors will learn a lot of interesting things.
Address: Mariastraat 36A.
Opening hours: daily from 09:30 to 17:00, break from 12:30 to 13:30, entrance ticket costs 8 EUR
Museum folk art and traditions / Bruggemuseum-Volkskunde
located in 8 almshouses from the 17th century. The museum displays the interiors of a classroom, the workshops of a shoemaker, a hatter, a tailor and a cooper, a Flemish living room and bedroom, a pastry shop, a pharmacy, and a hotel.
Address: Balstraat 43.
Opening hours: daily from 09:00 to 17:00
Diamond Museum
The exhibition of the Diamond Museum is dedicated to the history of Bruges as the oldest diamond center in Europe, and introduces visitors to mysterious world these beautiful stones. Bruges was one of the world's diamond processing centers. Among the interesting exhibits of the Diamond Museum, it is worth highlighting two diamond “sculptures”, which are so small that they cannot be seen without the help of a magnifying glass.
Address: Katelijnestraat 43.
Opening hours: daily from 10:30 to 17:30
Chocolate Museum / Chocolademuseum
the history of the transformation of cocoa beans into chocolate. Visitors will be able to see the process of creating chocolate self made, get acquainted with interesting recipes and find out why Belgian chocolate is of such high quality. The museum is located in the Croon House (Huis de Croon), built around 1480, which originally served as a wine cellar.
Address: Sint-Jansstraat 7b
Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 17:00
Museum of French fries / Frietmuseum
is located in the Saaihalle, one of the oldest and best preserved buildings in Bruges, dating back to 1399. The French Fry Museum in Belgium is the only one of its kind in the world. The museum's exhibition is dedicated to the history of potatoes from the beginning of their cultivation to the first fries. Visitors will be able to see an interesting collection of machines used for growing, harvesting, sorting and frying potatoes, and after visiting the exhibition in a medieval cellar, they can taste real Belgian fries with delicious sauce. Since May 1, 2011, the Bruges Chocolate Museum has collaborated with the French Fry Museum, since chocolate and French fries are considered typical national dishes Belgium.
Address: Vlamingstraat 33. Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 17:00
Ter Doest / Cistercian Monastery
Ter Doest is a former Cistercian monastery from the 12th century, from which a barn, part of an older Gothic farmhouse, a dovecote from 1651 and a monumental gate from 1662 remain to this day.
Address: Abdij Ter Doest, Ter Doeststraat 4.
The barn is open to the public (daily from 10:00 to 19:00), admission is free.
Museum of Fine Arts / Groeningemuseum
The collection of the Museum of Fine Arts (Groeningemuseum) is dedicated to the 6-century history of Flemish and Belgian painting, starting with Jan van Eyck and ending with Marcel Broodthaers. The museum's exhibitions include works by Flemish primitivists, masters of the Renaissance, as well as paintings of the 18th and 19th centuries, made in the style of neoclassicism, realism, Belgian symbolism and Flemish expressionism. The museum also displays other works by 15th-century artists: “The Assumption of the Virgin Mary” by Hugo van der Goes, “The Altarpiece of St. Christfer” by Hans Memling, “The Judgment of Cambyses” and “The Baptism of Christ” by David Gerard. The paintings listed above are just a small part of the complete collection, which also includes works by anonymous masters from Bruges.
Address: Dijver 12.
Opening hours: daily from 09:30 to 17:00
Museum of Light / Lumina Domestica
The exhibition of the Museum of Light is dedicated to the history of artificial lighting, dating back more than 400 thousand years, from torches and oil lamps to electric and LED light bulbs. The museum displays a collection of lamps numbering more than 4 thousand items!
Address: Wijnzakstraat 2.
Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 17:00
Gruuthuse Museum / Bruggemuseum-Gruuthuse
is located in the palace of the same name and is represented by a collection of objects from the 15th to 19th centuries that belonged to the Lords of Gruthuse. The tapestries and the elaborately decorated fireplace are especially impressive.
Address: Dijver 17.
Opening hours: daily from 09:30 to 17:30
Guido Gezelle Museum / Bruggemuseum-Gezelle
located in former house famous Flemish writer Guido Geselle and is dedicated to his life and work. In addition, the museum presents a temporary exhibition about the art of the printed word.
Address: Rolweg 64.
Opening hours: daily from 09:30 to 17:00
Hans Memling Museum / Hospitaalmuseum Memling
meeting original works artist, commissioned by the monks of the hospital. Almost all the paintings have been kept here since their creation, that is, since the 15th century. One of the main masterpieces of the museum is “The Shrine of St. Ursula”. The longitudinal sides of the reliquary depict six miniature paintings. They tell the story of Ursula, the daughter of the king of Brittany, who decided to make a pilgrimage to Rome, taking with her 11,000 maidens. All stages of the journey and the death of the princess from the arrows of the Huns form the content of the images.
ATTRACTIONS:
Beffroy - tower. Initially, the beffrois served as watchtowers, where the alarm bell hung. Such a tower was a symbol of the freedom of the city. Gradually, the meeting room of the city council, a place for storing treasury, documents, seals, and commercial premises began to be located in the towers. Today, most of the surviving beffrois are found in the cities of Belgium. 24 Flemish and 6 Walloon beffrois are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Grote Markt(Market Square). The central square of the city, located in its very heart. On the square you will find a whole series beautiful historical buildings, including the 12th century Belfort. At the Grote Markt you will find a wide variety of cafes and restaurants. Coach tours, a very popular entertainment in Bruges, start from the square. In the center of the square stands monument to Jan Breidel, hero of the battle of the Golden Spurs. Located north of the city center "Lace Center", where you can buy masterpieces of local lacemakers, and the Jerusalem Church.
City Hall. A magnificent 14th-century building built under the direction of Jan Rugiers. Construction was completed in 1421. The facades of the building are beautifully decorated, with various turrets located on them. Be sure to explore the inside of the town hall. The wall paintings are especially worthy of attention. The City Hall is located on Place de Burg.
Halve Maan. The brewery that produces Brugse Zot, the only beer that is brewed entirely in Bruges. Once upon a time, the Halve Maan plant also brewed a beer called Straffe Hendrik, but today its production has been completed.
Lake of Love in Bruges / Lake of Love in Bruges
an artificial lake surrounded by a cozy park. Due to its romantic surroundings, Minnywater is known as the “Lake of Love” (the Danish word 'Minne' translates to 'love'). There are many swans on the lake. By old legend in 1488 Bruges was ruled by the burgomaster Peter Lanschal, who belonged to the court of Maximilian of Austria. The Lanshale family coat of arms featured a swan. The inhabitants of Bruges did not always show due respect to Pieter Lanchal, and Maximilian of Austria decided to punish them by ordering them to forever breed and keep swans in the city lakes and canals. It was from that time that swans lived on beautiful lake. Rock concerts are held in the park in the summer.
The Salvador Dali Museum-Gallery is located in the building of the Belfort veche tower on the Market Square of Bruges. The exhibition presents an extensive collection of watercolors, works of art executed by Dali various techniques, the world famous series of graphics and authentic sculptures. The exhibition is permanent, but the collection is updated almost every year, achieving ever greater diversity.
Design exhibition halls designed in Dali's favorite style - a combination of mirrors, gold, mother-of-pearl and pink. One of the famous exhibits is a sculpture depicting Dali's head on a silver platter with a garnish of angel wings and shells.
To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the artist’s charisma, the museum offers El Salvador’s favorite dishes - champagne and Belgian praline.
Opening hours: daily from 10.00 to 18.00. Ticket price € 10.
Memling Museum
The Memling Museum is located opposite the Notre Dame Church. Once upon a time, the museum building housed the hospital of St. John, which was founded by Augustinian monks in the 12th century. This hospital was a shelter for large quantity people, anyone in need could get food and lodging here.
The museum building is considered one of the oldest buildings in Europe. In it you can see a medieval pharmacy, an infirmary, as well as many sculptures and paintings that were collected by the monks over the entire existence of the hospital.
Undoubtedly, the most important value of the museum are 6 authentic masterpieces by the famous Dutch artist Hans Memling. According to legend, Hans was seriously wounded and accidentally ended up in the city of Bruges, being a soldier of Duke Charles the Bold. Barely breathing, he managed to get to the hospital gates, the nuns came out, and in gratitude, Memling donated some of his works to the hospital.
Chocolate Museum
The Chocolate Museum in Bruges appeared here for a reason. Belgium is already called the sweetest country, recognizing that local confectioners prepare the best chocolate in the world. However, the idea of creating a museum came along with the annual chocolate festival. It is impossible to try everything, and parting with confectionery masterpieces is simply an unforgivable waste, so after the event all the sweet “exhibits” are moved to the museum.
The Chocolate Museum is located in a castle, the period of construction of which dates back to XVII century. Acquaintance with the “chocolate” history here begins with getting into the world of the Mayans, as well as the Aztecs from Mexico. After all, it was here that they first learned to extract cocoa powder, mix it with spices and water, producing dark chocolate. After this, visitors are shown modern processing of cocoa beans.
In the tasting room, museum guests can see with their own eyes how the confectioner works, and for their grateful contemplation, he will certainly treat visitors to chocolate treats.
The museum has a souvenir shop where you can buy everything your sweet tooth desires. It’s hard to believe, but there are even treats for four-legged pets on sale here.
Chocolate Museum
People often ask: “Where did chocolate come from?”, “How did it get to Europe?”, “What is the secret of chocolate’s excellent taste?”, “Why is chocolate used as medicine?”.
The Choco-Story Chocolate Museum answers these and many other questions, reviving the 2,600-year history of the delicacy in words, pictures and tastes.
In the museum you will plunge headlong into the fascinating world of chocolate and in every sense you will travel through time, enjoying not only your eyes, but also your nose and tongue.
The museum will captivate both young and old with a sweet tooth, as well as those just interested in its history.
Choco-Story is divided into three parts. The first of them is dedicated to history and describes the path of the cocoa drink from its first preparation to the present day, as well as its path to Europe. The second shows the creation of chocolate, and the third is a unique collection of collectible treat bars.
In the exhibition center, visitors will be able to uncover the secret of the origin of the most delicious chocolate that melts in the mouth, and will be able to try chocolate products that are prepared in the museum.
The museum is unique for its collection and has no analogues.
French Fry Museum Bruges
The French Fry Museum is located in the Saaihalle, one of the oldest and best-preserved buildings in Bruges, dating back to 1399. The museum was created by the Cedric and Eddie Van Belle family. The French Fry Museum in Belgium is the only one of its kind in the world.
The museum's exhibition is dedicated to the history of potatoes from the beginning of their cultivation to the first fries. The entire museum contains about 400 ancient objects. Since the pre-Columbian period, from the Incas, from vases filled various types potatoes, ending with fryers. On the ground floor, visitors learn about the history of the potato, which originated in Peru and Chile 15,000 years ago, and the history of fries, and how they came to Belgium.
On the second floor, museum visitors will be introduced not only to the history of the appearance of French fries in Europe, but will also be told about recipes for their preparation and tips on how to make the best fries and describe the different types of sauces that can be served with French fries. Visitors will be able to see an interesting collection of machines, used for growing, harvesting, sorting and frying potatoes. And after visiting the exhibition, in a medieval cellar you can try real Belgian fries with a delicious sauce.
City Museum of Fine Arts Groning
The City Museum of Fine Arts in Bruges is also called the Groning Museum.
The second name of the museum is associated both with the Groninge street passing nearby, and, to a greater extent, with the Groninge fields in the place of Kortrijk, where the famous battle of the Golden Spurs took place. July 11, 1302 to the Flemish people's militia managed to defeat the cavalry army of the French king.
The collection of the city museum began to form in the 18th century. It is worth noting that the museum only included works by those artists who lived and worked in Bruges. This tradition continues to this day.
The museum was formed and operated until the 19th century as part of the Bruges Academy of Arts.
The museum presents various directions paintings: early Renaissance, baroque, neoclassical, realism, symbolism, Belgian impressionism. A special place is occupied by the works of Van Eyck, Bosch and Hugo van der Goes.
Museum of Fine Arts in Bruges
The Museum of Fine Arts in Bruges is one of the largest art galleries in Belgium. The museum was opened in 1903 on the centenary of the state's independence. And today the Museum of Fine Arts delights its visitors with many unique paintings, including those from the medieval period.
The museum displays works by artists such as Hans Memling, Gerard David, Lancelot Blondel and many others, and the crown jewel of the collection is Hugo van der Goes' masterpiece, The Assumption of Our Lady. It is here that you can touch the high beauty of classical art and feel the atmosphere of that era.
The architecture of the museum building cannot but surprise the visitor: it is sophisticated, thought out to the smallest detail and meets all requirements art gallery. Especially for better perception of the collection, windows were made on the roof to provide better light in the museum halls.
Grouthus Museum
The Grouthus Museum is the most unique historical building in the city of Bruges. Even in ancient times, the Gruuthus family had great wealth thanks to the sales of seasonings for making beer.
But the house of Grouthus became popular only in 1470 during the War of the Scarlet and White Roses. At that time, the English king Edward IV York fled England, fearing for his life. In Flanders, he was given refuge by the richest family, the Groothus, and the king was settled in a famous house.
The mansion was built in a beautiful courtyard and decorated with turrets. Also, undoubtedly, it should be noted that the house chapel is located on the second floor, which overlooks the Notre Dame Church adjacent to the house. Therefore, the Grouthus family had the opportunity to participate in worship services from the comfort of their own home.
Not only has it been preserved from the very first owners appearance home, but also some details of the original interior. For example, the main piece of the kitchen is a 15th-century fireplace, which has survived to this day in perfect condition. The museum's collection also includes ancient sculptures, furniture samples and, of course, an office musical instruments.
Groothus Museum
The Groothus Museum is located in Bruges. The museum is the personification of the architecture of the late Middle Ages.
At that time, the Groothus family lived in the house, which had a monopoly on the sale
gruut - a complex mixture of seasonings used in the preparation of beer. The Groothus house became famous in 1470, during the War of the Roses, when the English king Edward IV fled England, the Groothus family provided him with refuge.
Today the building is a museum of life of the Middle Ages and the New Century. The appearance of the building and some furnishings have been preserved from the first owners. For example, a fireplace from the 15th century, which has come down to us completely intact. The museum's collection also includes furniture from the 17th and 18th centuries,
sculptures of the 16th-17th centuries, numismatic collection, cabinet of ancient musical instruments. In one of the halls there is a guillotine.
The museum is open every day except Tuesday.
One of the most attractive features of Bruges is the abundance of diverse museums: from Northern Renaissance painting to contemporary art, from classical fine arts to archaeological finds, furniture, silver, folklore... In short, everyone will find a museum to suit their taste in Bruges!
Groeninge Museum
The Groeninge Museum is also called City Museum of Fine Arts. Works began to enter the museum's collection at the beginning of the 18th century, but the building itself is newer and dates from 1929-1930. The museum got its name from the nearby Groeninge straat (Groeninge street). The works of art that make up the museum's collection span several centuries (from the 14th to the 20th centuries) and belong, as a rule, to artists who lived and worked in Bruges.
Luxurious and extremely valuable collection Flemish masters are the pride of the Groeninge Museum. First of all, it is worth highlighting two works stored here Jan van Eyck“Madonna and Child and Canon Joris” and a portrait of the artist’s wife “Margaret van Eyck”.
The museum also displays other works by 15th-century artists: “The Assumption of the Virgin Mary” by Hugo van der Goes, “The Altarpiece of St. Christfer” by Hans Memling, “The Judgment of Cambyses” and “The Baptism of Christ” by David Gerard. The paintings listed above are just a small part of the complete collection, which also includes works by anonymous masters from Bruges.
Gruuthuse Museum
The Gruuthuse Museum is located behind the Church of Our Lady. This impressive mansion once belonged to one of the richest families of medieval Bruges. Now the building has become archaeological and historical museum Bruges.
The very name "Gruuthuse" already explains why this family occupied such an important position. The old Flemish word "gruut" means "hulled barley or wheat" - the main ingredients used in brewing in the Middle Ages. The Lords of Bruges had a monopoly on the sale of these valuable products.
Louis Grouthuse is the most important member of the family. A statue of Louis Gruuthuse on horseback adorns the lower front façade of the building. Below the statue is inscribed the motto “Plus est en Vous” (there is more in you). This part of the building was built during Louis's lifetime, more precisely in 1465. In 1628, the former Gruuthuse Palace became a pawnshop. After restoration work completely restored the Gruuthuse house between 1883 and 1898, the entire house became the city museum "Gruuthusemuseum" with a huge amount works from different fields (lace, tapestries, paintings, furniture, etc.).
Brangwyn Museum
Brangwyn Museum is a magnificent late 18th century town house situated opposite the coach house at the entrance to a magnificent garden.
The carriage house displays old wagons and carriages. On the ground floor of the Brangwyn Museum is the Lace Museum, which displays an extensive and varied collection of antique lace.
Most of the exhibits were produced in the Flemish lace centers: Bruges, Brussels and Mechelen, but the collection also contains lace from France and Venice.
A number of superb paintings illustrate the use of lace as costume decoration throughout different periods. On the second floor of the building are exhibited the works of Frank Brangwyn (1867-1956), a versatile master of British origin, who, however, was born in Bruges. Its carpets, pottery and furniture in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles are grouped thematically. Brangwyn's paintings, engravings, watercolors and sketches are also sorted by subject.
Diamond Museum
Situated in a stylish, modern building, Diamond Museum will introduce you to the history of diamond processing, dating back to the Middle Ages, when Bruges was one of the world's few centers for the processing of these precious stones. Among the notable exhibits of the Diamond Museum are two diamond “sculptures” that are so small that they cannot be seen without the help of a magnifying glass. Also, visitors will be presented with a demonstration of the diamond processing process, which always attracts a considerable number of spectators.
Chocolate Museum "Choco-Story"
Chocolate Museum "Choco-Story" located in the historic Maison de Croon building on Sint-Jansplein in the center of Bruges. In the past, the building housed a wine tavern (1500s), a confectionery shop (1700s) and furniture workshops (1900s). Visitors to the Chocolate Museum "Choco-Story" can directly witness the preparation of chocolate products. The museum's exhibitions are dedicated to the history of cocoa and chocolate, as well as the health benefits of chocolate.
By visiting the Chocolate Museum “Choco-Story”, you will learn more about the world of the ancient Mayans and Aztecs, for whom chocolate was the drink of the gods, and cocoa beans were money.
Both museums are worth a long stay. On this trip, I chose Bruges to walk there late in the evening, and also to not rush anywhere and wander through the halls of these two museums, because this is a meeting with my beloved 15th century. And harmonious painting of the early Northern Renaissance. I read Tatyana Sedova's book " Art museums Belgium", and I will quote it, because this is a leisurely journey through the most amazing paintings, after which it is impossible not to pay attention to the details and allegories.
Briefly:
1. Hans Memling Museum in the former St. John's Hospital
(Sint-Janshospitaal Brugge)
Address: Memling in Sint-Jan, Mariastraat 38, Brugge
2. Bruges Museum of Fine Arts or Groning Museum
(Groeningemuseum Brugge)
Address: Dijver 12, Brugge
Open: Tuesday-Sunday from 9.30 to 17.00
Ticket: €8
HANS MEMLING MUSEUM
Hans Memling "Adoration of the Magi"
The small three-wing altar "Adoration of the Magi" was donated to the hospital of St. John in 1479 and since then has never left its walls: the figure of the donor can be seen in the central scene on the left, in the embrasure of the window. The composition contains echoes of some of Rogier's techniques and solutions (van der Weyden, Memling's teacher - approx.). However, Memling offers a completely different figurative content. The drama of feelings and graphic expression of his teacher are alien to him. Lyrical mood, tranquility, kind, affectionate acceptance of the world become the main emotional leitmotif. Memling seeks gentle poetic harmony in everything that surrounds him.
Hans Memling "The Betrothal of St. Catherine"
Another altar belonging to the hospital, "The Betrothal of St. Catherine", is of a much larger format, 176 cm high, was completed in 1479, as evidenced by the ancient inscription on the frame, and was originally located in the hospital chapel.
On the outer doors there are portraits of donors with their patron saints. The main wing of the open altar - "The Betrothal of St. Catherine" - represents a composition widespread at that time in Italy and the North, known as sacre conversazione, a holy interview. In the center, Mary sits on a throne, holding the infant Christ on her lap. On the sides of the throne stand John the Baptist (left) and John the Evangelist (right) - the holy patrons of the hospital. Little angels in blue-black clothes hold a golden patterned crown over the Mother of God. On the left, near the throne, sits Saint Catherine, at whose feet the attributes of her execution are visible - a sword and a wheel. The baby puts a ring on the saint’s finger, thereby performing the sacrament of mystical betrothal. On the right is Saint Barbara reading a book. Behind her is a tower, reminiscent of her imprisonment. One of the angels at the throne plays the organ, the other holds an open book in front of the Mother of God. The patterns of the carpet, canopy, and brocade robes of St. Catherine and the angel are unusually festive and bright. The elegance of the costumes coexists with the simplicity of attire, a gentle smile with seriousness and sadness, spiritual naivety with wisdom: the picture seems to be built on the finest nuances.
The faces of everyone present are concentrated. Everyone is deep in thought. This emotional mood unites everyone and gives rise to a special atmosphere of closeness and kinship of human souls. The thin, slender figure of St. Catherine is captivatingly graceful in a luxurious brocade dress, thrown over another, fiery red, trimmed with white fabric on the inside. Long sleeves cover the arms down to the fingers. She bent one of them to make it easier for the baby to put on the ring - a touching and unexpected detail in a solemn scene.
On the left, behind the figure of John the Baptist, are scenes from his life, which form the content of the left wing. To the right, behind the figure of John the Evangelist, between the columns, a figure in black is visible, traditionally recognized by everyone as a self-portrait of Hans Memling. In the background behind it are depicted episodes from the legend of John the Evangelist, continued on the right wing of the altar.
Hans Memling "The Virgin and Child and Donor Martin Nieuwenhove"
"The Virgin and Child and Donor Martin Nieuwenhove", kept in the hospital of St. John, is the only undivided diptych of the 15th century that has come down to us, an extremely common type of religious composition in that era. Unfortunately, there was a time when the doors were mercilessly torn apart and ended up in different collections, while for understanding ideological plan the artist needs to examine them together, because both wings always represent an indissoluble unity.
The diptych was created by the master in 1487 by order of Martin Nieuwenhove, who was born in Bruges in 1463 and became burgomaster in 1497. Judging by his rapid career, he was clearly an extraordinary person and undoubtedly belonged to a wealthy burgher family. On the frame of the diptych it is written that the customer was twenty-three years old at the time.
On the left panel there is Mary and her child, on the right panel there is Martin Nieuwenhove. At first glance, it seems that they are in different interiors, but upon closer inspection, you notice their figures reflected in the mirror (behind Mary’s right shoulder - approx.) and realize that they are in the same room. Thus, Memling strives to unite both doors into an indissoluble whole, to create a feeling of a single environment and to develop the idea of space towards the viewer.
Our Lady sits on a low stool at a carpeted table, supporting right hand son, and with her left hand - holding out a red ripe apple to him. To her right, a book is open on a music stand, but we find these objects only reflected in the mirror.
Mary is dressed in blue dress, the sleeves of which are trimmed with squirrel fur. The chaste, strict image is ideal, majestic and feminine. It subjugates the interior, the entire environment, and dominates the landscape visible through the windows.
Martin van Nieuwenhove is on his knees with his hands folded in prayer. In front of him on a stand lies an open book of hours with a gold edge and clasps. We see Martin Nieuwenhove in the prime of his strength and spiritual abilities, transformed and enchanted by his introduction to the world of high perfection. It is no coincidence that Memling paints not just a single figure of his patron saint, but an entire scene on stained glass, where Saint Martin performs a noble act, cutting off a piece of his cloak so that a beggar can cover his wretched body (behind the character’s left shoulder - approx.). Thus, the artist creates an atmosphere of a special ideal world, rising above the ordinary, and includes in it real person, his contemporary. If the color of Mary’s clothes is even, seems frozen and with its purity and definiteness performs a spiritual and aesthetic function, the position of the figure is strictly frontal, the composition is extremely stable, then in the right wing there is a diagonal cut of the interior, the swaying pages of the open book of hours, the iridescent tones of Martin’s clothes (brown -lilac, bluish-beige) bring the movement of genuine life.
MUSEUM GRONING
Jan van Eyck "Our Lady of Canon van der Paele"
To this day, “Our Lady of Canon van der Paele” remains the most worthy decoration of the museum. The painting was commissioned by the artist from the canon of St. Donatian's Church, Georg van der Paele, and was begun in 1434, as evidenced by the inscription on the frame. The frame of the picture may have been made by the artist himself; in the corners it is decorated with the family coats of arms of the old canon and his mother. It is known that van Eyck inserted boards into a previously prepared frame, strengthened them, primed them together and painted them. The inscription shows that the work was completed in 1436 and placed in one of the two chapels of the choir of the Church of St. Donatian, founded by Canon van der Paele. Although the church has not survived to this day.
Strictly marking the middle of the picture, on a two-step dais stands a throne under a canopy of green fabric embroidered with flowers. A luxurious oriental carpet descends from the foot of the throne, the edge of which rests on the lower frame of the picture. Maria turns out to be both distant and at the same time close. Van Eyck achieves the same illusion by enveloping her figure in a large cloak, which falls on the steps and spreads out, as if growing before our eyes. Its sonorous red color gives extraordinary pathos to the image of the Mother of God, without at the same time disturbing its modest simplicity. The throne is decorated with sculptural groups “Cain’s Murder of Abel” and “Samson’s Fight with the Lion,” as well as figurines of Adam and Eve in small niches. The Virgin and Child represents the center and meaning of the entire composition. The baby holds a parrot with his right hand, and with his left hand he holds out a bouquet of flowers, which the Mother of God gracefully takes with her flexible thin fingers. Mother and child look benevolently at the old canon, who knelt down. Its patron saint, George of Cappadocia, raising his helmet with his right hand, points to the canon Saint Donatian, patron of the church, who in turn looks at them. In this way, the internal connection of the characters in the composition is realized. Memling's imitation in the painting "The Betrothal of St. Catherine" by van Eyck is striking at first glance, although this imitation is of a rather external nature.
Van Eyck's image of the Mother of God is endowed with ideal features. A clean, round face with a high forehead and a soft, small chin is framed by wavy strands of golden hair. The head is decorated with a modest diadem. Saint George is dressed from head to toe in knightly armor of rare beauty and grace, created more by the hands of a jeweler than by a gunsmith. The reflection of the Mother of God is noticeable on the helmet, and on the shield behind him is a male figure, in which the artist himself is seen. Saint Donatian is dressed in a luxurious episcopal chasuble made of blue velvet woven over a gold brocade base. His miter is set with precious stones, as is the cross in his left hand. In his right he holds his attribute - a wheel with lit candles, the light of which makes stones and gold sparkle. His stern face is impassive.
The old canon is on his knees, holding a prayer book and glasses. His lips are tightly closed, his eyebrows are knitted in the bridge of his nose, his gaze is turned to Saint Donatian, but at the same time he expresses the intense work of thought. Old age has furrowed his face with wrinkles and folds, as van Eyck testifies with objective accuracy, seemingly merciless. But strong spirit The stern canon triumphs, which involuntarily evokes a feeling of respectful respect for a person with such vast life experience, possessing such a strong intellect and tenacity of will.
Hans Memling "Morel Triptych"
Memling's large altarpiece is usually called the "Morel Triptych", after the customer Willem Morel, who was then burgomaster of Bruges. The central part represents three saints: Saint Christopher, according to legend, who carried the infant Christ across the river, Saint Mauritius with a staff and Saint Gilles with a doe. On the left wing, Willem Morel knelt, accompanied by his patron saint William de Maleval and his five sons. On the right wing, in front of the bench with the prayer book, his wife kneels with eleven daughters and Saint Barbara. On the outer doors of the altar are depicted John the Baptist with a lamb and St. George slaying the dragon.
Hieronymus Bosch" Last Judgment"
For a long time, scientists have disputed the authenticity of Hieronymus Bosch's triptych "The Last Judgment," which belongs to the museum. Some believed that it was created in his workshop. After restoration in 1959 chief custodian Museum Henri Pauwels came to the reasonable conclusion that the work was done by Bosch himself. The central part of the altar is dedicated to the image of Christ in a halo and surrounded by angels and apostles, appearing in heaven to judge people. The earth is teeming with all sorts of evil spirits, bizarre fantastic forms, signifying the sins, vices and delusions of people. On the left are depictions of paradise, where the souls of the righteous sail on a ship; in the background, in the form of a decorative tower, the source of life is represented. On the right is the gates of hell, behind which the underworld itself burns with fire. Bosch's fantastic images are not generated by sick imagination or fear. His paintings always contain a strong element of the intellectual principle, passionate caustic irony and contain allusions and allegories that were clear to his contemporaries, but not all of them have been deciphered in our time.
Rogier van der Weyden "Saint Luke painting the Madonna"(copy)
An amazing meeting in the Groning Museum, at first I couldn’t even believe my eyes, because I was used to seeing this painting in the Hermitage - a copy of Rogier van der Weyden’s work “St. Luke Painting the Madonna.”
According to legend, the Evangelist Luke could not depict the Virgin Mary from memory. Then the Mother of God appeared to him, and things went smoothly. This is how the first icon was painted, and the Apostle Luke became the first icon painter and patron of artists. The painting revealing this plot was painted by Rogier van der Weyden in the 15th century as an altarpiece for the painters' chapel. Judging by the number of repetitions and copies, it gained enormous popularity among its contemporaries.
This masterpiece of the Northern Renaissance is one of the most mysterious paintings in the Hermitage. “Saint Luke Drawing the Madonna” was created by Jan van Eyck’s student, Rogier van der Weyden. In the 19th century, the painting ended up in St. Petersburg in the form of two separate parts. First, in 1850, St. Luke was acquired, arriving in the city on the Neva as part of the collection of the Dutch king William the Second. 34 years later, the Mother of God and Child arrived from France, having stayed for a long time in one of the Spanish monasteries.
It was great luck that both parts of the canvas ended up in the Hermitage. After all, they could find themselves in different meetings and in different countries. Why and when this barbaric division occurred is unknown. Most likely, selling each part separately would have been much easier.
In addition to Bruges, there are copies of the painting in Munich and Boston. Van der Weyden copied his masterpiece many times.