Bruges: The city of Bruges is a definite highpoint on a visit to Belgium. This is the most popular destination on a visit to Belgium as it is Europe's best preserved medieval city. The city was founded in the 13th century and its medieval architecture is a must see. The city has two medieval centres, the Markt and the Burg. The Markt is a medieval market square in the centre of the city. In medieval times it was a busy market square and crowds gathered to trade, to watch medieval jousts and even to watch public executions. The square is bordered by 17th homes which have now been converted to shops and restaurants. The Markt is home to the Belfort, a belfry which is the tallest in Belgium. A climb to the top of the Belfort is an arduous task as it consists of 366 steep steps, but on top you get a spectacular view of the city and you get to the bells, the beautiful old clock and a 47 bell carrillion, whose bells ring out a tune every fifteen minutes. The Burg is a small square just off the eastern corner of the Markt and is the historical centre of the city. The square is surrounded by the original town hall (Stadhuis) and the Heilig Bloedbasiliek (Basilica of the Holy Blood), which was built to honour a phial of blood believed to be the blood of Jesus Christ.
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