3.5 km | 3.7 km-effort
You will now walk for a while down the 'Potterierei', along a majestic and picturesque canal, which was, in the middle ages, the main gateway to the centre of Brugge for merchant ships. It was linked to the canal leading to Damme, the main outer harbour of Bruges at the time. Although the ships that used to arrive here have now completely vanished, the canal and the streets along it have not lost their own, specific charm. Even modern architecture (rows of modern houses) seems to have merged into the rich historical past.
On the way, you will pass picturesque small bridges, as well as a few buildings that are interesting from an historic point of view.
On number 72 of 'Potterierei', you can find the 'Grootseminarie van Brugge' (Grand Seminary of Bruges), where a new Cistercian abbey was erected between 1628 and 1642.The institution lasted to the French Revolution; it was later used as a military hospital, then a military storage place and a middle school. It is a quite unique spot in Bruges, with an extended fruit tree orchard and pastures.
A short while further on is 'Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ter-Potteriekerk', a gothic-style church where, as from the 13th century, sick people, travellers and pilgrims used to be taken care for. It was later used as an elderly home, as from the 15th century. The former church still hosts a rich collection of art works.
Keep going along the canal up to the so-called 'sas' (sluice), where it connects to another canal leading to Damme (another famous tourist spot in the area of Bruges). There, you will take to the right, to follow a section of the 'Vesten' (the green ring belt of Bruges).
Walking
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