The historic centre of Bruges is a remarkable World Heritage Site located in the heart of the capital city of the province of West Flanders, Belgium. This oval-shaped portion of the city covers 430 hectares and contains some of the most prominent architectural attractions in the country. It is regarded as a European medieval icon and attracts tourists from around the world.
The most impressive sites contained within the city centre are illustrated by the Church of Our Lady, which remains the tallest structure in the city. The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a famous Roman Catholic basilica that houses a renowned relic from the Holy Land and serves as a pristine representation of Romanesque architecture. Other points of interest include the preserved gateways of Kruispoort, the Gentpoort, the Smedenpoort and the Ezelpoort.
Walking is the most efficient way of getting around the historic centre of Bruges. An extensive public bus network provides for transportation around various parts of the area. The city centre is a 15-minute walk from the nearest main railway station.
What remains a stunning artefact of historic preservation today was once a commercial epicentre for all of Europe. Artists including Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling were inspired by the location and influenced painters in subsequent eras for decades to come.