hidden-gems-in-Bruge

Hidden Gems in Bruges: Exploring the City’s Secret Treasures

While many visitors flock to Bruges’ famous Market Square and Church of Our Lady, there are plenty of lesser-known attractions waiting to be discovered. Here are some hidden gems to add to your itinerary:

1. The Begijnhof

  • Address: St. Elizabethstraat, 8000 Brugge
  • Hours: Open daily from 9am-6pm (last entry at 5:30pm)
  • Admission: Free admission, but donations welcome

Tucked away on a quiet street, the Begijnhof is a tranquil oasis that showcases the city’s monastic heritage. This picturesque courtyard complex was once home to a community of laywomen who dedicated their lives to prayer and charity. The charming buildings, adorned with flowers and vines, now house a museum and peaceful gardens.

2. The Groeningemuseum’s lesser-known collections

  • Address: Dijver 12-14, 8000 Brugge
  • Hours: Open daily from 9am-5pm (last entry at 4:30pm)
  • Admission: €7 adults, free for children under 18

While many visitors flock to the Groeningemuseum’s famous Jan van Eyck painting, “The Last Judgment,” there are other hidden gems in the museum’s collection. Be sure to check out the works by Hieronymus Bosch, Pieter Pourbus, and other Flemish Masters.

3. The St. Anne’s Church

  • Address: Sint-Annaplein 2, 8000 Brugge
  • Hours: Open daily from 9am-6pm (last entry at 5:30pm)
  • Admission: Free admission

This charming church is one of the oldest in Bruges and features a unique blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful stained-glass windows make it an ideal spot for reflection.

4. The Bonne Femme neighborhood

  • Address: Various streets surrounding the Begijnhof
  • Hours: Open daily, but best explored in the morning or early evening
  • Admission: Free admission

This charming neighborhood is a maze of narrow streets and picturesque houses that date back to the Middle Ages. Take your time to explore the area on foot and discover its hidden corners, including the beautiful gardens of the Bonne Femme courtyard.

5. The Bruges Museum-Atelier Jan Bontveugel

  • Address: Langestraat 13, 8000 Brugge
  • Hours: Open daily from 10am-6pm (last entry at 5:30pm)
  • Admission: €7 adults, free for children under 18

This unique museum is dedicated to the life and work of Jan Bontveugel, a famous Bruges painter. The building itself is a beautifully restored medieval house that now serves as an art gallery and museum.

By exploring these hidden gems, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Bruges’ rich history, architecture, and culture. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the city’s lesser-known treasures!