Bruges, called the Flemish Venice, is one of the most beautiful places in Belgium. The city was founded in the 12th century, when the network of canals and city walls were built. Bruges has retained some of its original medieval buildings and the street layout. For centuries the city has grown thanks to trade and its location. In the city center, in the north of the Grote Markt, traditional market halls from the 13th,14th and 16th centuries have been preserved. On the square visitors may also see the belfry called Belfort, the old post office building and the court as well as the statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck. Bruges also boasts the rows of colorful tenement house with characteristic stepped gables.
