Grote Markt, Bruges, Belgium

The square has been used as a marketplace since 958, with weekly markets since 985. Currently, the market takes place on Wednesday mornings and it's possible to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and cheeses. It opens from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It's also the venue of the Christmas market, in December.


The most prominent building in the square is the Belfry and the Cloth Hall, while the oldest house is the 15th-century Bouckhoute house. The colourful houses, with restaurants and cafes, used to be guild houses. The Provinciaal Hof building, on the eastern side, built in the 19th century is relatively recent. Right beside it is located the multimedia experience "Historium", which lasts for about an hour.


At the centre of the square are the statues of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, erected in 1887. They were the leaders of the "Bruges Matins/ Brugse Metten", a violent uprising against Phillip the Fair in 1302.

Back to Bruges


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