Bruges was one of the most prosperous cities in Europe during the Middle Ages, ranking with London, Paris, Rome and the other great ones. It was in those times one of the most important and active trading and artistic centers in Europe.

Its strategic geographical situation made Bruges a very important commercial crossroads, while, at the same time, it was the cradle of one of the leading painting tendencies of all times, the Flemish School.

Suddenly, Bruges lost its importance when the Zwin River, which connected the city to the ... (more)