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The towering spire of the Church of Our Lady is another key landmark of Bruges’ skyline. It’s a strange architectural mishmash: the exterior is a good example of the rather austere style known as Scheldt Gothic, and was built over two centuries from 1220 onward. The interior is essentially Gothic, with Baroque flourishes to its statues and extravagant pulpit (1743). This is a rather surprising setting for one of the great treasures of northern Europe: Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child (1504–5) – a work that came here by virtue of Bruges’ close links to Renaissance Italy. The church’s museum includes the beautiful gilt-brass tombs, rich in contemporary detail, of Charles the Bold (1433–77), Duke of Burgundy, and his daughter Mary (1457–82).

True to Surrealist traditions, this artist (born 1940) creates machines, such as space ships, and stages clearly doomed attempts to make them work.

In 1880 King Léopold II staged a grand international fair to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of his nation. The vast exhibition halls he erected, together with their successors, now contain a cluster of major museums. By far the most spectacular is the Musées Royaux d’Art et d’Histoire, a rich collection of treasures from around the world, including archaeological finds, anthropological artifacts and decorative arts. Close by are the Musée Royal de l’Armée et d’Histoire Militaire (an extensive military museum) and Autoworld (a major collection of historic cars). The park also contains the extraordinary Atelier de Moulages (see Atelier de Moulages), and the Pavillon Horta, a Neo-Classical work designed by a young Victor Horta to house erotic sculpture by Jef Lambeaux (1852–1908).

Some memorable images of Surrealism came from the studio of Paul Delvaux (1897–1994). He is famous for his sensual, trance-like pictures of somnolent nudes in incongruous settings.

Socialist prime minister during the post-war years, Spaak (1899–1972) played a central role in the creation of the European Community.

Another legacy of King Léopold, the Chinese Pavilion and Japanese Tower now house porcelain, samurai armour and Art Nouveau stained glass.

Philip the Bold ushered in the Burgundian era in the Netherlands after inheriting control of Brussels and Flanders.

Philip the Good (reigned 1419–67) founded the Order of the Golden Fleece and was a great patron of the arts.

During the 16th century, Flemish artists turned to Italy for inspiration, which muddied their distinctive north European vision. But Pieter Brueghel (c.1525–69) rejected this trend and painted in a personal style based on what he saw around him. His depictions of rural villages have an affectionate charm and honest naivety.

De Coninck, a weaver, and Breydel, a butcher, led the Flemish rebellion against the French, launched in 1302.