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Church of Our Lady.  Standing at 122 m, the tower of the Our Ladies church is the highest building in Bruges.  Moreover, it is the second tallest brick building in the world.  Besides its dimensions and impressive gothic architecture, the church is famous as the burial place of Mary of Burgundy.  You will not only find her tomb there but also that of her father, Charles the Bold.  One of the churches' biggest treasures is the marble Madonna by Michelangelo, alledgedly the only sculpture that left Italy during his life. [more information]

The town gates of Bruges.  The town still has four town gates (Ezelpoort, Smedenpoort, Kruispoort and Gentpoort).  They were all built as part of the second defensive line around Bruges that was constructed at the end of the 13th century.  The gates on the eastern side were built more robustly than those on the western side.  Despite the fact that emperor Joseph II in 1782 ordered them to be demolished, these four gates were spared. [more information]

Saint-Saviour's cathedral.  After the Saint-Donatians cathedral was demolished in 1799, the Bruges' diocese had to look for a new cathedral.  In 1834, Saint-Saviour's church was chosen to succeed Saint-Donatian's and since then it has been the most important religious building in the town.  The site dates back to the 9th century when a first church was built here.  The church was plagued by several fires and in its current appearance, the cathedral largely dates back to the end of the 13th century.  Its interior and treasury holds many priceless artefacts.  There is also a museum. [more information]

Windmills of Bruges.  Bruges has a rich history of windmills.  When the second town walls were erected (end of the 13th century), spots were foreseen where mills were built.  Nowadays, there still are 4 windmills on the town walls.  Only one of them is originally from Bruges, the others ones were reconstructed here after being pulled down elsewhere.  Two of them are accessible for the public and have been arranged as museum. [more information]

Saint-John's hospital.  With its foundation in the 12th century, the hospital is one of the oldest remaining sites for health care in Europe.  The oldest parts date back to the 13th and 14th century and remained an active clinic until the 70's of the last century.  Now it hosts a museum on the life of in the hospital and on one of the great masters of the Flemish Primitives: Hans Memling.  If you like architecture, then especially have a good look at the monumental medieval roof.  [more information]

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