Poortersloge (Burgher's Lodge), Brugge
The Burgher's Lodge (Poortersloge), located on Jan van Eycksquare in Bruges, stands out as one of the city's most notable historical buildings. Constructed towards the end of the 14th century and into the early 15th century, this structure was positioned in Bruges' bustling commercial core, an area critical for international trade. Ships would be loaded and unloaded nearby, and the surrounding region hosted nationhouses representing key trading partners as well as a neighboring toll house where goods were processed and taxed.
Serving as a hub for the city's prominent citizens, known as "poorters," the Burgher's Lodge was a vital meeting place where these influential individuals convened and engaged with their trading counterparts. Additionally, it was the headquarters of the Society of the White Bear, a detail commemorated by the Bear of the Loggia statue located on its facade at the corner of Academiestraat.
The building experienced significant damage due to a fire in 1755 but was meticulously restored later in the 18th century to its original medieval form, a restoration noted by a cartouche on the facade. The Burgher's Lodge has served multiple purposes over the centuries: from 1720, it functioned as an academy for Fine Arts, and from 1912 to 2012, it housed the National Archives. In 2014, the municipality of Bruges repurchased the building from the state, marking a new chapter in its storied history.
Today, the Burgher's Lodge remains a symbol of Bruges' rich heritage and continues to be an important architectural and historical site within the city.
Serving as a hub for the city's prominent citizens, known as "poorters," the Burgher's Lodge was a vital meeting place where these influential individuals convened and engaged with their trading counterparts. Additionally, it was the headquarters of the Society of the White Bear, a detail commemorated by the Bear of the Loggia statue located on its facade at the corner of Academiestraat.
The building experienced significant damage due to a fire in 1755 but was meticulously restored later in the 18th century to its original medieval form, a restoration noted by a cartouche on the facade. The Burgher's Lodge has served multiple purposes over the centuries: from 1720, it functioned as an academy for Fine Arts, and from 1912 to 2012, it housed the National Archives. In 2014, the municipality of Bruges repurchased the building from the state, marking a new chapter in its storied history.
Today, the Burgher's Lodge remains a symbol of Bruges' rich heritage and continues to be an important architectural and historical site within the city.
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Poortersloge (Burgher's Lodge) on Map
Sight Name: Poortersloge (Burgher's Lodge)
Sight Location: Brugge, Belgium (See walking tours in Brugge)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Brugge, Belgium (See walking tours in Brugge)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Brugge, Belgium
Create Your Own Walk in Brugge
Creating your own self-guided walk in Brugge is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Architectural Jewels Walking Tour
Within its egg-shaped boundary, the historic town of Brugge holds a wealth of architectural treasures. Both medieval and more modern creations await you practically around every corner and are fit to enchant even the most discerning viewers.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
One such is a splendid piece of engineering called the Barge Bridge (Bargebrug). Its bright red and asymmetrical form makes it a charming spot and photo... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Brugge Beer Tour
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Brugge Introduction Walking Tour
The capital of Belgium's West Flanders province, Brugge is a fascinating city, distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and historic architecture. Sometimes referred to as the Venice of the North, this is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe 鈥� dating back over a millennium 鈥� with a history richer and longer than that of Belgium itself (established since 1830).
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Historical Churches Tour
It's not much of a secret that some of the world's most beautiful churches are found in Brugge. Renowned for its medieval architecture and picturesque canals, this Belgian city is home to several historical temples, adding a great deal of charm to its tapestry.
The Begijnhof, also known as the Beguinage Houses, is a tranquil place and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 13th... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
The Begijnhof, also known as the Beguinage Houses, is a tranquil place and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 13th... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles