Although held by the Romans, Bruges appears to have been very
small and of little significance until the 9th century, when coins
bearing its name began to appear. It seems that its reputation as a
port was the main reason for its growth, which was so great that
Bruges was declared a city in 1128. Continued expansion
followed, and the city became known internationally for trading
wool, weaving and cloth. It also became something of a cultural
centre, as William Caxton was in Bruges when he printed the very
first book in English.
Following these years of rapid growth, Bruges started to
see a decline in its fortunes. The lace trade and its associated
industry took off in the 17th century, but this was not enough to
reverse the trend, and by the late 19th century the population had
declined by 75%.
However, Bruges began to attract Belgium's wealthy
citizens around this time, as well as rich people from France
and England who visited the city as a tourist destination. This
coincided with the construction of the Port of Zeebrugge in 1907,
which now boasts a reputation as one of Europe's most important and
most modern ports. Nowadays, beautiful Bruges has many reminders of
its prosperous past, as much of its medieval architecture has been
preserved.
The historic centre of Bruges became a UNESCO World Heritage
Site in 2000. Here you can find the Church of Our Lady, which due
to its spire is one of the world's tallest brick buildings. The
historic centre is also home to Michaelangelo's Madonna and Child.
There is also the famed belfry, which has a 48-strong bell
carillon. The Basilica of the Holy Blood is also renowned, and is a
strongly recommended visit.