Burg Square, Bruges (must see)

Surrounded by buildings representing several architectural periods, Burg Square has served as the city’s political and administrative center for centuries. Brugge’s municipal government still occupies the historic City Hall.

The square occupies the site of an early fortified settlement traditionally associated with Baldwin I, known as Baldwin Iron Arm, the first Count of Flanders. A stronghold was established here during the 9th century as protection against Viking attacks, and Brugge gradually developed around it. This makes the Burg one of the oldest parts of the city.

The former Saint Donatian’s Church also stood on the square. Founded during the early medieval period, it later became Brugge’s cathedral but was demolished in 1799 during the French occupation. Archaeological remains of the church survive beneath the square and neighboring buildings, although little is visible at street level today.

Occupying the southern side of the Burg, the most prominent building on the square is Brugge City Hall, constructed between 1376 and 1421. One of the oldest monumental town halls in the Low Countries, it is easily recognized by its elaborate Gothic façade, pointed windows, turrets, and rows of statues. Immediately to the left of City Hall stands the Old Civil Registry, one of the earliest Renaissance buildings in Flanders. Next to it is the former Mansion of the Liberty of Bruges, from which the surrounding countryside was once governed. Its later Neoclassical façade is crowned by a gilded figure of Lady Justice, recalling the building’s former judicial role.

To the right of City Hall stands the Basilica of the Holy Blood. The complex consists of the Romanesque Saint Basil's Chapel on the lower level and the richly decorated upper chapel, where a revered relic believed to contain the blood of Christ is preserved. On the opposite side of the square stands the former Provost's House, an elegant Baroque building that once served as the residence of the provosts of Saint Donatian's Church and now forms part of the Bishop's Palace.