Markt Place

Also known as Grand Place or Grote Markt, this square is a must-see when visiting Bruges. At the very beginning of the 14th century, it was the heart of the city for trade. It is said that it is here that the notion of a stock market or commercial exchange by speculation and sale of goods began before its arrival.

The name comes from a keeper of an inn on this square, the Van der Buerse family, which owes its name to the stock exchange that we know today. Of course the exchange was not the same.: the transactions were mostly based on good faith and barter.

The Markt place is also the place where you will find the Belfry and houses with magnificent stepped gables sometimes transformed into a restaurant on the ground floor. The Provinciaal Hof, the Historium museum and old post office architecture stands out.

On the square is also the statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck. Both are Belgium’s patriotic heroes for defending the Flemish identity.

Take the time to admire this square in the evening. It is simply charming. Imagine there was a time when to walk around at night here you needed lanterns. Close your eyes and listen to the sound of horses’ hooves pulling carriages across the pavement. It surely takes us back in time.

Burg Square

Located a few steps from Markt square is the administrative side. The town hall is located there, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, as well as the old palace. Now the city museum is located there.

Really very pretty.

For an overview of Bruges click here.

For all posts on Bruges click here.