Bruges is, together with Ghent, one of the cities giving testimony of the wealth and importance of Flanders centuries ago. With the canals running through its center it is called the "Venice of the North", we also call it "Bruges the Beautiful". The buildings on the Burg and the Market squares are really impressive. Walking the cobble-stoned pedestrian streets, where the sound of hoofs of the one-horse coaches reverberate, you can enjoy the atmosphere of a peaceful little town. Peace and quiet are especially found in the beguinage Ten Wijngaarde, founded in 1245. With some luck you can see women making bobbin lace, for Bruges' lace is world-famous. In the many little restaurants you can enjoy Belgian waffles and be sure to take a seat on one of the terraces and try one of the Belgian beers, for instance Sterke Hendrik ("Strong Henry"), a local beer. But beware: Belgian beers can be treacherously strong and this does not only go for Strong Henry!