Review
For a city holiday, try the Cadogan series... very readable, attractively presented and packed with essential basic information' - The Sunday Times
The Independent
‘Opinionated, well-informed’
The Observer
‘Readable and easy to use’
Financial Times
‘As well informed as the country guides’
Product Description
Wanders through this remarkable urban heirloom, with crooked streets, restored guildhouses and palaces, and two of the most fascinating medieval art collections in Europe; visits the fine restaurants and stylish bars that keep Bruges buzzing; explores the city's famously chic fashion stores and takes in the acclaimed WW1 battlefield tours; includes information on gateway cities Brussels and Ostend
From the Publisher
Whether you are planning your city break in advance or want instant guidance as you explore, Cadogan City Guides are ideal. They’re designed for busy people who take spur of the moment breaks, but still want to get an authentic experience of the city. They are the only guides to take you straight to the heart of the destination with a unique colour introduction, packed with ideas for days out and itineraries. Extensive, cross-referenced maps with listings clearly marked (the fullest listings of any city guide available) make navigation a breeze. They also include a wealth of engaging cultural and historical knowledge, along with anecdotes and colourful stories written in the enthusiastic, personal style for which Cadogan is renowned.
About the Author
Anthony Mason is the author of some 60 books, including biographies, atlases, books on exploration and great civilizations and the Wild West and travel guides. He now lives in London, but has been a frequent visitor to Bruges and Belgium over the years.
Excerpted from Bruges (Cadogan Guides) by Anthony Mason. Copyright © 2005. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
‘Central Bruges is perfect for a gentle wander: the streets are virtually traffic-free, while the bridges and canalside paths afford classic and ever-changing views of the spires, gables and bridges reflected in the waterways. ‘The centre of Bruges is the true historical heart of the city. This is where Bruges began: the Burg is the site of the original 9th-century castle, bounded by canals. Today, the city’s multi-layered history can be traced from the foundation stones of its first church to the splendid neogothic renovations of the Stadhuis. The Markt, the old commercial centre, was once served by canals that brought goods directly to the doors of the city’s great trading halls. The dizzying landmark of this area is the Belfort, which provides the visitor prepared to make the climb with a spectacular panorama that clearly reveals how the medieval streetplan of Bruges spreads out logically from this centre point.’
