Master Tour Bruges

Here, you step inside a medieval hospital. This unique setting is home to four masterpieces by Hans Memling, all of which have a place on the Flemish Masterpiece List. Five hundred years after their creation, the masterpieces continue to dazzle in the place where they were first displayed.

These works are a must-see during your visit. The impressive Reliquary of St Ursula is unique in Memling’s oeuvre. The refined Triptych with the Adoration of the Magi brings Christ’s youth to life. The moving Lamentation of Christ depicts a deeply human expression. And the monumental Triptych of John the Baptist and John the Evangelist still makes a deep impression today.

A visit to St John’s Hospital is an inspiring experience. The revamped interior links the theme of care to contemporary art. Highlight is the Closer to Memling Experience. Here, your imagination is given free rein and Memling really comes alive.

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Memling’s presence extends beyond the confines of the museum. By following the Geocache or city walk you follow in the footsteps of the master.

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In the former monastic cloister next to the museum, you find the old pharmacy of St John’s Hospital. Between 1653 and 1972, the convent sisters prepared medicines here. Contemporary artist Giuseppe Penone paid them a fitting tribute...

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In the mood for more culture from the top draw? The Groeningemuseum houses one of the finest collections of Flemish primitives in the world.

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In restaurant Réliva, Lien Vandeputte is at the helm in the kitchen. Only sustainably grown ingredients make their way into her pots, as the lady chef works exclusively with a network of local organic farmers.

The 15th-century Adornes Estate is a cultural gem in the heart of Bruges. The stately mansion, serene garden and iconic Jerusalem Chapel bear witness to a fascinating and rich history.

Rich in this case is not just a figure of speech - the estate was once owned by the wealthy Adorno family from Genoa. Pieter II Adornes built the original chapel - with the Pope’s blessing! His son Anselm replaced the structure with a replica of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. To this, he added houses for the poor and needy.

The Jerusalem Chapel is home to a masterpiece of Burgundian art: the mausoleum of Anselm and Margaret. The Golgotha altarpiece is also a gem.

The Adornes Estate has changed its appearance several times over the years, but the pursuit of knowledge and faith has always remained central. The result is a unique blend of art, architecture and history.

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Stay immersed in the atmosphere of yesteryear: Café Vlissinghe is the oldest inn in Bruges. Authentic conviviality anno 1515, complete with a lovely terrace.

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You return to the present at Onslow. At this trendy spot, enjoy the delicious food and drinks. The concept: sharing is caring.

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Walk from the Adornes Estate to the Vesten, the green city park around Bruges. Along the way, you pass the mill mounds of the Sint-Janshuis and Bonne Chiere windmills. These are ideal vantage points for an unforgettable view of the picturesque Sint-Anna Quarter.

This medieval city palace has had an eventful history, which began with Lorenzo ‘Il Magnifico’ de Medici and his wife Clarice Orsini. You can admire their medallions in the banking hall of Bladelin Court.

At Bladelin Court, the grandeur of yesteryear comes to life. Colourful eye-catchers are the six stained-glass windows in the facades, designed by the Bruges atelier of Jules Dobbelaere. Also note the 15th-century beam joints, symbols of political and artistic power. The neoclassical chapel is also worth a visit, especially for the majestic Angel Pair by Laurent Delvaux.

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A stone’s throw from Bladelin Court lies the recently renovated city cafe De Republic, with the only remaining city cinema Lumière.

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Did you spot the bronze shells in the street near St James’ Church? These mark the route for pilgrims making their way to Santiago de Compostella, 1,750 kilometres from there. Feeling tempted to follow their path? According to Google Maps, you can walk that distance in 400 hours.

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In the convivial wine bar Blend, two top sommeliers share their passion with you - and their best wines. Next door, you can find Bar Ran: a hip bar serving refined cocktails, invariably a mix of 1 part creativity and 1 part classic craftsmanship.

Church-of-Our-Lady Bruges: architectural masterpiece with a rich art collection

Tilt your head back and glance upwards. Impressive, would you not agree? You are standing in front of the second tallest brick tower in the world: a whopping 115.5 metres high. Nowhere does the unparalleled craftsmanship of Bruges’ medieval master builders stand out more beautifully.

Superlatives are also in order for the interior. The mausoleum of Mary of Burgundy and her father Charles the Bold stands as a timeless tribute to these key figures in our history. The magnificent oratory of Louis of Gruuthuse is unique architecturally in Europe: a passage leads directly from the chapel to the neighbouring Gruuthuse Palace. As a symbol of status and wealth, this was quite a statement back then.

The Passion triptych by Bernard van Orley and Marcus Gheeraerts is also a recognised Flemish Masterpiece. The central panel depicts the Crucifixion of Christ. The side panels show the flagellation, the way of the cross, the descent into hell and the lamentation.

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You read it above: the Gruuthuse Museum is right next door. In this impressive city palace, there is a fine collection of art and craftsmanship: wooden sculptures, lace, Burgundian manuscripts and Chinese porcelain. All fully in line with Louis of Gruuthuse’s motto, inscribed on the stone plaque at the entrance: “Plus est en vous”.

Did you know that the word “gruut” refers to the medieval spice mix that was traded here? Gruut was the precursor of hops, giving beer its typical bitter taste and extending its shelf life.

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The covered balcony of the museum is a perfect spot for a selfie. There, you have a magnificent view over the Boniface Bridge and the Church-of-Our-Lady.

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Would you like to treat yourself to some culinary refinement as well? At restaurant De Mangerie, chef Kristof Deprez combines Asian influences with local ingredients.

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Refinement is also the common thread in The Chocolate Line. Here, you find the most inventive flavour combinations, perfectly crafted into exquisite pralines. Cardamom? Kalamansi? Seaweed? Bacon? Each praline is a true taste sensation bursting with surprising ingredients.

Church and Monastery of the Discalced Carmelites

The fascinating history of this complex - a historical gem both inside and outside - begins with the noble stepped-gable house ‘Hof van Uytkerke’. In the 17th century, the Carmelites transformed this building into a spiritual centre. The highlight of the impressive interior is the marble high altar by Jacob de Coster. The Bruges sculptor also left his mark elsewhere in this protected monument.

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At this place, you can still experience the authentic monastic life. You can do that with the tour Sacred Books/Secret Libraries. A guide takes you on a journey of spiritual discovery, with books as the guiding thread. Want to know more? The free ‘Sacred Masters’ app gives you access to more virtual tours and information about these sites.

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Finally time for some shopping? Get your fix in Ezelstraat, hotspot for unique boutiques, hip cafés and charming stores.

The entire Bruges city centre is a journey back in time. But the most impressive journey back awaits you at the Historium. Here, you embark on an interactive journey of discovery through 15th-century Bruges when the city was one of Europe’s most important economic and cultural centres. 

Innovative augmented reality brings the Golden Age to life in different ways. You follow the fascinating story of Jan van Eyck’s apprentice, take an impressive virtual flight along the medieval architecture and enjoy a unique 360° view of Bruges.

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The Belfry is the icon of Bruges. Are you planning to climb the 366 steps of the 83-metre-high tower? If you make the climb, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views.

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The Burg is perhaps the most beautiful square in Bruges. It is lined with buildings full of grandeur, such as the 14th-century gothic town hall. It is certainly worth taking a peek inside that building. There, you will discover the history of the ports of the Zwin, which played a key role in the rise of Bruges and the city’s later lesser importance in that respect. Would you like to know more about this fascinating piece of history? You can do so from your trusty bike if you ride the Lost Ports of the Zwin Route.

The Basilica of the Holy Blood is located on the Burg. As the name suggests, here you find the relic of the Holy Blood.

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An excellent choice for an overnight stay in Bruges is Grand Hotel Casselbergh. Here, you stay in a historic building, the former House with the Seven Turrets. Those turrets can be seen in the painting The Seven Wonders of Bruges, which is housed in the Gruuthuse Museum.