Bruges - Liberty of Bruges

(Local Name: Paleis van het Brugse Vrije) 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.