Bruges - Burg

From Rozenhoedkaai an exceptionally fine view is obtaine of the old houses bordering the canal, with the Belfry rising high above the rooftops in the background.

To the right of the Paleis van het Brugse Vrije stands the Civiele Griffie (Old Recorder's House). Richly decorated in gold and adorned with statues it was built between 1534-37 in typical Renaissance style.

To the left of the Stadhuis, Blinde Ezelstraat passes under a pretty Renaissance arch between the town hall and the Civiele Griffie before crossing Blinde Ezelbrug to the Vismarkt (1821). Here each morning from Tuesday to Saturday fishmongers sell their wares laid out on stone counters.

Across on the east side of the square the Bruges Tourist Office occupies part of what was, up until 1984, the Law Courts, built between 1722 and 1727 on the site of the former Paleis van het Brugse Vrije (Liberty of Bruges) from where independent magistrates exercised jurisdiction over the country area around Bruges. Some fragments of the older building have survived, including the pretty 16th C. facade overlooking the canal at the rear. One or two of the more historic rooms now make up the Brugse Vrije Museum.

Running alongside the Reie are Steenhouwersdijk and Groene Rei, two streets lined with picturesque buildings. Note in particular the rear facade of the Palais de Justice and also Pelicaanhuis.

The corner of the Burg and Breidelstraat was once the site of Sint-Donaas, a cathedral church of Carolingian origin, built in 900. The lovely Baroque building standing there today is the former Provost's House (1665-66), the cathedral itself having been demolished in 1799. A few remnants of the walls of the choir are still visible in the garden adjacent to the house.

From the Vismarkt cross Huidenvetterplaats (Tanners' Square) with its guild-house dating from 1630, to Rozenhoedkaai, one of the departure points for boat trips on the canals.