Bruges totally deserved to be crowned as 'European Capital of Culture' in 2002, mainly due to its seemless match between the old and the brand new. This cultural fest was the culmination of a very rich and centuries long cultural history. Bruges was put on the list of the World Heritage Site of UNESCO, since it's undoubtedly one of the most picturesque cities in the world. The city emerged about a 1000 years ago and rapidly became an important port/harbour for merchants from all over Europe (hence its name 'Brugge': derives from the Old Norse word for 'port' or 'landing stage' Bryggja). From its central role in the Flemish cloth fairs circuit, to its function as the most sophisticated money market in the Low Countries in the 14th and 15th century, Bruges' regional power grew steadily over the centuries. This period of growth was sadly followed by a couple of hundred years of downfall ('Bruges la Morte), until tourism came along as an important new source of city income. In the late 19th century, Bruges became a majour tourist destination, giving the city new hope for a prosperous future. Year after year, it keeps attracting tourists worldwide.p>
About 20.000 people still reside in the historic centre nowaday, and about five times more live city suburbs. You won't encounter a single resident who will not share with you his pride of having the privilige to live in the city. Charming to see how friendly they are and how they try to impress you every time with their enthousiasm to show you around 'their' city.p>
Rain, wind and snow? No reason at all to leave Bruges! The city never stops to entertain and amaze you, 365 days a year! It's hard not to remember your stay in Bruges once you have had the chance to walk through it on a cold and snowy Winter's day in Winter or on a hot summer day in July.
Please note that Bruges can become very crowded, especially during high season. At night, however, when most of the city visitors are quietly sleeping in one of the many hotels in Bruges, the city fully reclaims its charm and tranquillity. If you're adverse to big crowds during the day as well, the streets and canals to the north of the city are worth noting, since they will take you right up to the 'Vesten', the beautifully restored fortifications that still surround the city today. Beautifully kept lawns that never seem to end are accompanied by age-old trees and by some stunningly renovated traditional windmills.p>
