FRBV25- Bruges, the Venice of the North

Wednesday April 2^nd was dedicated to visiting Bruges in Belgium.  The aim was to discover a city of outstanding beauty and history where water is present everywhere and contributed to the city ‘s wealth and expansion.

After a short walk after leaving the coach, we arrived at the Begijnhof with its white-painted facades and silent convent garden covered with blooming daffodils founded in 1245. After a short tour of St. Salvator, the main church of the city, one of the few buildings in Bruges that have survived the onslaught of the ages without damage, we walked along the numerous canals in the city and headed for the Markt (main square) with its outstanding houses and the 83-metre-high belfry built in the 13^th century. We later reached the Burg to see the city hall and visit the Holy Blood Basilica. The teachers in charge stopped the group regularly to give both historical and architectural information about the different places.

The students were then given some free time to visit the city by themselves. They also had to fill in a quiz, matching the pictures with the information mentioned in the document. (architecture, traditions, monuments, …).

Students were very excited to visit one of the most famous towns in Belgium. They learnt a lot about its history and architecture. They could relate to the theme of the week which was water.

The fact of crossing the border made them thrilled as they were getting to know another country: Belgium. They visited the main monuments, such as St. Salvator’s cathedral, and admired the art and history of the city. They also had time to cooperate and some free time so it was a very intense and profitable day that all students enjoyed and made the most of it.