Lake of Love

Minnewater Park is home to the Lake of Love and Lovers Bridge.Legend says that if you cross the bridge with your partner, you will experience eternal love. The lake is a reservoir and part of Brugge's canal system. Swans, which are Brugge's emblem, are usually present on the lake.

Date: Oct 2

From Bruges

A souvenir from the WPD meeting in Bruges. Thank you Lara!
Date: Oct 2

From Bruges

A souvenir from the WPD meeting in Brugge.
Date: Oct 2

Béguinage Bruges

The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde is the only preserved beguinage in Bruges, Belgium. There are no more beguines living there, but since 1927, it has functioned as a convent for Benedictines. The complex includes a Gothic beguinage church and about thirty white painted houses dating from the late 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Practically all of these are built around a central yard. The main entrance with gate can be reached via the three-arched stone bridge, the Wijngaard Bridge.

Unesco: Flemish Béguinages
Date: Sept 28

Bruges Almshouses

An ancestor of social housing, the Maisons-Dieu  are typical hospices in Bruges which allowed local people in need, particularly widows and the elderly, to keep a roof over their heads and their dignity while their financial and personal situation no longer allowed them to secure housing. There are 46 Maisons-Dieu in Bruges and only 3 are no longer inhabited. They all belong to the city and have done so since the French Revolution. These social housing complexes are now protected as monuments and are still inhabited by around 250 elderly people.

A souvenir from my trip to Bruges
Date: Oct 1

Brugge

Bruges, the capital of West Flanders, is distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings. Bruges is often called the Venice of the North, referring to the numerous canals and bridges. The city originated on the banks of the river Reie. For centuries the canals of Bruges have linked the city to the sea, a guarantee of wealth and prosperity. International merchants built up Bruges into one of the largest Hanse cities. In the 15th century the city flourished as never before. Large parts of the medieval heritage remained practically intact.

Unesco: Historic Centre of Brugge
Thanks to my mom!