Bruges - "The Venice of the North"

VTV.vn - Located in the northwest of Belgium, Bruges is considered one of the most distinctive cultural and tourist centers in Europe.

Urban spaces bear a distinctive mark. Medieval Europe

Bruges – "the Venice of the North" – is one of Belgium's oldest and most charming cities, with its picturesque canals, ancient cobblestone squares, and perfectly preserved medieval architecture. The entire Old Town of Bruges has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Bruges is not only famous for its ancient beauty, but also a vivid testament to the harmonious blend of history, architecture, urban life, and contemporary culture. Bruges has preserved almost entirely its medieval urban structure, with its intricate network of canals, cobblestone squares, and characteristic pointed-roof houses. Unlike many European cities that have rapidly developed and modernized, Bruges maintains a slow pace of life, in harmony with the landscape. This creates a "living museum" – a place where visitors can not only see but also directly experience the local culture.

The canal system – the soul of Bruges – once served as a vital trade artery during its golden age in the 13th and 15th centuries. Today, the canals have become a distinctive cultural space, closely linked to daily life, festivals, and tourism . A boat trip on the canals or a walk along the waterfront is the most popular way to explore Bruges, allowing visitors to experience the city at a slower pace – a value increasingly rare in modern urban life.

Bruges is also home to many iconic architectural landmarks such as Markt Square, Burg Square, Belfry bell tower, and Gothic churches. Furthermore, the city is closely associated with the Flemish school of painting, notable for its art museums housing many valuable works. Bruges' culture is understated and deeply ingrained, evident in every architectural detail and every aspect of community life.

Bruges – A balance between preservation and development

A trip to Bruges is inseparable from Belgian culinary culture, with its handcrafted chocolates, waffles, fries, and traditional beers. The cuisine here reflects the spirit of classic Europe: simple, refined, and valuing the experience. The old cafés and small restaurants in the old town not only serve food but also act as spaces for cultural exchange, where locals and tourists share the rhythm of daily life.

Beyond its historical value, Bruges remains a vibrant city with numerous cultural festivals, especially during Christmas and New Year. Winter markets, light shows, and street music breathe new life into the ancient city, creating a balance between preservation and development. This is also what makes Bruges an attractive destination for young travelers, students, and the international community.

Compared to many European cities where you need to find a beautiful spot or avoid crowds, Bruges has the advantage of being beautiful overall. Every alley, every brick wall, every stone bridge has a high aesthetic value, making Bruges a "photogenic" city in its own unique way.

Quang Dung - the author of this article - at Minnewater (Love Lake) - a corner of the old city for those who need tranquility rather than crowded check-in spots.

Bruges' greatest value on the European cultural and tourism map lies not in its size or glamour, but in its ability to preserve its identity while remaining open to the world. Not overly modern, Bruges inspires a desire to slow down, speak softly, and cherish every moment.

In Bruges, visitors can clearly feel history present in contemporary life, where tourism becomes a true cultural journey – slow, profound, and enduring. The small city with its cobblestone streets, tranquil markets, and the gentle ringing of church bells marking the time… – these simple yet deeply cultural experiences make visitors realize that culture in Bruges isn't found in books or museums, but is present in the rhythm of everyday life.

"As a freshman, I came to Bruges not as a professional tourist, but as a young person learning to get acquainted with Europe – where history, culture, and modern life go hand in hand. My first trip to Bruges at Christmas gave me a very different feeling compared to Brussels – the city where I live and study every day. If Brussels represents a dynamic, multicultural Europe with the breath of international institutions, Bruges made me slow down. From the moment I stepped off the train and walked along the ancient cobblestone streets, I felt like I was entering a space "outside of time" – where history is not in textbooks, but is present right before my eyes, in every house, every bridge over the canal. For an international student still feeling a bit lost, Bruges offered a comfortable and safe feeling. The city is small, the pace of life is slow, and all the attractions are accessible on foot. I remember standing silently by the canal, watching the Christmas lights reflect." Stepping into the water, listening to the church bells ringing on a winter afternoon – these simple moments are enough to make a student studying abroad feel less homesick.

What impressed me most was how Bruges preserved its identity without being closed off. For me, Bruges is not just a tourist destination, but also my first lesson on how Europeans cherish the past to build the present. In my long journey of studying abroad, Bruges reminds me that sometimes, to deeply understand a culture, it's not about going fast or doing a lot, but about daring to slow down, observe, and feel" - Quang Dung.

Source: https://vtv.vn/bruges-venice-cua-phuong-bac-100251226150007961.htm