Walplein is a tree-shaded, cobblestone square in Bruges that takes its name from the city's first defensive walls, which were constructed nearby in the late twelfth century. While the fortifications have long since vanished, the square…
Lake of Love and Begijnhof
This tranquil walk wanders through the quiet southern edge of Bruges, showing you the peaceful waters of Minnewater and the whitewashed houses of the historic Beguinage. It is the perfect route to experience the romantic side of the city away from the busy market squares.
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1. Walplein
2. Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan
Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan is the only family brewery still operating in the historic center of Bruges. You can identify it by the traditional brick facade facing the Walplein, a quiet square that has served as the home for this business…
3. Wijngaardplein
Wijngaardplein is defined by a large concentration of swans that gather here near the water. This square sits adjacent to the Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde, a historic site founded in twelve forty-four by Margaret of Constantinople.…
4. Beguinage "Ten Wijngaerde"
The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde is identifiable by its cluster of whitewashed houses arranged around a central green, all enclosed by a wall and reached via a three-arched stone bridge. Founded in twelve forty-five, the site was…
5. Sashuis
The Sashuis is a compact, gabled brick building that sits at the northern edge of the Minnewater, or Lake of Love. Its Flemish-style architecture features steep gables and fine stone framing, standing as a quiet landmark where several…
6. Minnewater Park
Minnewater Park is defined by the Minnewater, or Lake of Love, a rectangular body of water that once served as a vital medieval reservoir and commercial dock. The park contains the Poertoren, a fourteenth-century round tower that stored…
7. Minnewaterbrug (Lover's Bridge)
The Minnewaterbrug is a stone arch bridge defined by its graceful, curved profile that spans the Minnewater lake. Built in seventeen thirty-nine, this structure bridges the gap between the historic Beguinage and the medieval city center.…
8. Gunpowder Tower (Poertoren)
The Poertoren, or Gunpowder Tower, stands as a robust, eighteen-meter-high stone structure near the Minnewater bridge. Built between thirteen ninety-eight and fourteen oh one by master mason Jan Van Oudenaarde, it functioned as a defensive…