4.3 km | 4.6 km-effort
The 'Burg' is undoubtedly one of the most famous small squares in Bruges old town. Here you can find outstanding examples of all architectural styles of past centuries, from roman and gothic to renaissance and baroque styles and up to classicism. A true collection of architecture masterworks, this on one single square only!
The most outstanding piece on the 'Burg' is certainly the 'Stadshuis' (City Council House). It is here that the destiny of Bruges has been decided for more than 600 years, in the 14th-century old building (the construction of which lasted from 1376 to 1420). Bruges 'Stadhuis' is one of the oldest ones of this type in Flanders and the Netherlands. It is a reminder of Bruges 'Golden Age', in de 14th and 15th centuries.
In 1369, Margaretha van Male (the daughter of Lodewijk II van Male, Count of Flanders) married Philip the Bold: this was the start of the Burgundy period of Bruges, most probably the most glorious period in the town's history. The Court of Burgundy settled in Bruges, and the town quickly became the foremost trade centre in the whole of North-western Europe at the time. All kinds of goods were traded in Bruges, where more and more luxury items were also produced, and the town's population experienced a never-seen increase. The town was extended, and experienced a true building frenzy.
Bruges reached its paramount activity as a trade centre between 1280 and 1480. It was the southernmost office of the German Hanseatic League; the Venetians were permanently present as from the early 14th century, and also the Genovans, Florentine, Catalans, Castilians, Basques, English and Scots were also represented in one way or another, among others by consulates. The inner town (the current historical centre) had at the time 40,000 to 45,000 inhabitants, which is twice as many as today! Bruges also developed as a foremost international centre for the arts, with famous names such as Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling.
The 'Stadshuis' is partly open to visitors. The 'Gotische Zaal' (Gothic Room) offers extraordinary wall and ceiling paintings; in the 'Historische Zaal' (Historic Room) you can see an exhibition devoted to the history of the City Council's House, with documents and artworks; on the ground-floor there is also a multimedia exhibition depicting the evolution of the 'Burg' through times. The 'Stadshuis' is open daily (excepted on 25/12 and 01/01), from 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. (last entry at 4.30 p.m.).
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