Although Bruges itself dates from 850 B.C., the city owes much of its fame to the period between the 11th and 15th centuries when it was one of the most active members of the powerful Hanseatic League, an association of the cities of Northern Europe that controlled all commerce with Scandinavia and Russia. Commercial wealth and artistic activity developed at an equal rate during these centuries so that most of the main attractions of the city date from this period.
This is the official site of the city of Bruges which, accompanied by a short historical presentation, introduces the city according to its various aspects: with subjectve approaches linked to its monuments and history ( Hanseatic Bruges, traditional Bruges, Bruges and its walls, etc.... ); ways in which it can be explored according to various forms of transport ( on foot, by bicycle, by boat, etc... ); a gallery of illustrations ( museums, churches, abbeys, etc... ).