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The four great cities of northern Belgium share a rich cultural heritage dating back to medieval times, when this was one of the most vibrant trading regions in the world. Yet each is very different: Brussels is the new Capital of Europe, while Bruges is one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities. Ghent is a historic university city, while Antwerp still has the muscular stance of a great industrial centre. Each, in its own way, is richly rewarding – not only in cultural sights, but also in delightful and welcoming places to stay, eat and drink.
For a list of the best art galleries and museums (see Art Galleries and Museums)-
Occupying almshouses in the east of the city, Bruges’ folk museum presents a fascinating collection of historic artifacts.
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See life as it was lived by the ordinary folk of Bruges in the often threadbare 19th and early 20th centuries. Fascinating collections of household items, as well as some complete workshops, bring home the extraordinary changes of the last century and a half (see Museum voor Volkskunde).
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A bullet-marked wall commemorates a dozen men executed by the German army during World War I.
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An attractive town on the confluence of the Rivers Meuse and Sambre, Namur is famous above all for its mighty Citadelle (open Jun–Sep), perched dramatically on a steep-sided hill.
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The National Maritime Museum paints a rich portrait of the city’s links to the sea, through models, maps, artifacts and a large collection of boats.
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Maritime museum, with real boats to climb on (see Nationaal Scheepvaartmuseum).
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The former trading house of the merchants of Navarre is now a hotel of unusual elegance sited to the north of the Markt. A member of the Best Western group, it offers a high standard of service and comfort, including a fitness centre and swimming pool.
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18th–19th centuries. Classical revisited again, even more determined to emulate Greek and Roman temples.
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19th-century. Gothic style revisited. Adopted particularly by the Catholic Revival.
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Credited with inventing the praline and the ballotin (box).
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Hotel price categories
For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes, and extra charges.
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