Monday, July 20, 2009

Brugges Walking Tour - 19th July

Brugges Walk Tour Started at the Tourist Center-The guide explained: Brugges had lot of economic problems ion 18th and 19th century , so the city could not develop, but that is blessing in disguise ,now it has preserved most of the old heritage and the whole city is under the world Heritage site. Also in 2002 Brugges was selected as the cultural capital of Europe. Then she explained that Terracotta, which is a form of clay, was used in the building of of the concert hall, as it is available in plenty in Brugge. The whole city was surrounded by a canal , which is of 9 feet depth, whose height is controlled by sluices. In old tiles there was a river Dijver, but it is no longer there, but the canals are given that name. Then we visited visited the Hospital building, which is now a museum and in old times served as hospital and and to give hospitality for the travelers and needy. Then saw the Brewery Brugges Zot-Half mad man story about MAxmillan , held captive and he did not give permission to build a "Mad house". Maxmillan also ordered the people of Brugges to look after Sans for eternity- now there are around 80 swans. The we visited the "beguinage" which is a shelter for single woman. Then we saw a alms house - which houses a small garden,a room and a chapel. The we saw the Church of our Lady, Where Michelangelo "Madonna and Child" statue is there- it is one of the two statues of him outside Italy. It was made for It was made for the cathedral of Sienna, and since he could not finish in time, the cathedral of Sienna did not accept, so a wealthy merchant bought it and donated to the church. It is placed in between two other statues - one representing Faith and belief(One with goblet) and the other Hope. Thus the three represents, love, faith and hope. We also saw the four horseman statues from apocalypse. Then we vised the Brugges center, where the building style, from Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, neo-Gothic, 19th century, the 2oth century with glass, then the latest by Japanese architect. Then we saw the Belfry, heard the caroline. There are around 52 bells.

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