Bruges sights and sounds

The Gruuthhouse in Brug es is a must-visit for art enthusiasts who appreciate fine crasmanship. Don't be confused by the name, as it's oen mistaken for the Grunt House. Step inside and be captivated by the remarkable collections of tapestries, lace, sculpture, furniture, and silver amassed by Lodewijk van Gruuthuse, a fieenthcentur y Flemish courtier, bibliophile, soldier, and nobleman You may recog nize him as the Earl of Winchester, a title bestowed upon him by King Edward IV in 1472 Displaying an impressive sense of architectural transformation, the Earl converted the family storehouse into a luxurious mansion that now houses these eclectic treasures

While Brug es is renowned for its historic sig hts, the cit y is equally famous for its enchanting sounds. Since 1964, Brug es has hosted the Musica Antiqua festival, a prestig ious e vent that celebrates the finest young musicians performing the oldest music in Western culture. With its picturesque canals as a backdrop, Brug es becomes a mag net for special interest g roups e ver y summer, particularly in early Aug ust If you have a passion for traditional music, there are few places in the world better suited to indulg ing in the concerts, workshops, and lectures offered during this international festival

But let's not forg et the culinar y delig hts of Brug es e cit y is celebrated for its g astronomic wonders and, of course, its beer. And this bring s us to the Brug es Beer Festival, an early season treat that ser ves as the perfect excuse to visit Unlike rowdy beer festivals oen associated with excessive drinking , Brug es offers a refined and sophisticated experience For approximately five days in Februar y, the historic Grote Markt in the medie val cit y centre transforms into a beer lover's paradise. With over 80 breweries and 350 beers to choose from, the festival attracts thousands of enthusiasts from around the world Local restaurants also join in the festivities by producing their own beers and craing themed menus to tantalize festival-g oers. In addition to savouring the beers, attendees can attend lectures, eng ag e in debates, and witness culinar y showcases, making it a wellrounded experience for all

But the culinar y adventure doesn't end there. In early September, food lovers flock to Brug es for "Kookeet," a foodie extravag anza that attracts over 100,000 visitors. For three delig htful days, around 30 esteemed chefs, some boasting Michelin stars, Bib Gourmand mentions, or hig h GaultMillau scores, eng ag e with the attendees to deliver an unparalleled dining experience. Forg et about simple microwave fr y-ups ; Kookeet showcases the pinnacle of culinar y excellence.

Brug es truly offers a diverse rang e of experiences that cater to art enthusiasts, music lovers, beer connoisseurs, and food aficionados alike. As you explore the cit y ' s sig hts and sounds, you'll discover a captivating blend of histor y, culture, and indulg ence that makes Brug es a remarkable destination for travelers from around the g lobe

Interesting fact:

Bruges is often referred to as the " Venice of the North" due to its numerous canals, reminiscent of the famous Italian cit y. These canals not only add to the cit y ' s charm but also provide scenic boat tours that allow visitors to explore Bruges from a unique perspective.