This is my wonderful trip to Belgium, which i have narrated below for all those who love travelling amidst the beauty of fantasy and culture....
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EUROPE it immediately conjures up visions of France, Italy, Switzerland and Germany. But Belgium, for some odd reason, is not a must-see in an Indian tourist's itinerary, though it attracts many a tourist from around the world. One of the most prosperous European countries, the capital, Brussels, as the headquarters of the European Union, buzzes with activity. The country is surrounded by the Netherlands in the north, France in the south, Germany and Luxembourg in the East and the English channel towards its west.
Belgium has lovely places to visit, one of them being Bruges, also known as the "Venice of the West". It's a 1 1/2 hour drive from Brussels.I decided to revisit Bruges recently and I was able to pen my impressions about this beautiful medieval town.
Igot on the market square where the most remarkable monument of the tower, the Belfry a medieval tower 260 feet high with a bell and built during the 13th to 16th Centuries is an attraction. One experiences a sense of enchantment when the 47 bronze bells start to ring out from the Belfry. The bells chime at regular intervals. AsI walked exploring the town, Bruges unfolds its uniqueness. It is a town on canals. Hence the sobriquet "Venice of the West".
A ride by boat along the picturesque canal is an ideal way to see the town unfold its splendour. One can hire a cycle and go round. If one wants a real medieval drive one could hire a horse drawn coach.
The provincial court is an impressive one. The Town Hall is worth a visit and one of the earliest examples of the typical building style of Bruges, which has become so famous. The Gothic Hall situated on the first floor is particularly remarkable for its magnificent wooden ceiling and its colourful historical frescoes.
Another place which fascinatedme was the Basilica of the Holy Blood it is two chapels built one over the other. The lower one is St. Basil's Chapel and was built in the 12th Century by Diederik Van den Elzas, Count of Flanders. It has kept its original form and is the only Romanesque building of its kind in West Flanders. In the other chapel is preserved the 14th Century masterpiece of our Lady of Charity, also known as the Pieta. The Ecce Romo statue is a great work of art and an unrivalled piece of wood carving. The museum, the Groeninge, has an exceptionally rich collection of paintings.
Among the famous signatures collected here in the museum are those of Gerard David, Isen brant, Van Eyck and others. .The statue of Madonna and child, by Michelangelo, sculpted in white marble is one of the gems of the unusual rich art collection of the Church. It is said that it is also one of the rare works by the great artist which can be viewed outside Italy. A visit to Bruges is incomplete without dropping in at the shops displaying the famous lace works or to the lace training centre. Bruges is famous for lace work, very beautifully done with intricate designs.
There is more to see,I wastold butI reluctantly had to stop any further exploration due to time constraints. AsI drove back to the modern city of Brussels, I had a feeling all through the drive as though I had spent the last few hours in medieval times. I bid au revoir to this captivating town of canals hoping to come back another time.
