Bruges, << BROO jihz or broozh >> (pop. 117,886), is a picturesque city in Belgium. Its name in Flemish is Brugge << BROOG uh >> . The city lies 55 miles (89 kilometers) northwest of Brussels. The city’s most important products include lace, textiles, and metals. Breweries, distilleries, shipyards, and tourism provide work for many of the people of Bruges.
The name of this ancient town means city of bridges. Many bridges cross the network of canals flowing through Bruges. Buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, and beautiful carvings and paintings in these buildings, attract visitors to the city. The Market Hall, which was built in the 1200’s, has a bell tower with 48 bells. The city’s Gothic town hall was built in the 1300’s.
Bruges was founded in 865. From 1240 to 1426, Bruges was one of the most important cities in all Europe. It traded with the Hanseatic League (see Hanseatic League ) and Venice.
