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Article: Back in the spotlight: The Flemish city of Bruges reigns as one of two Cultural Capitals of Europe this year. (Europe).
- Article from:
- Hot Rod
- Article date:
- March 25, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 Advanstar Communications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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In 1340, Bruges--then northern Europe's busiest center of trade--had the same size population as London. But while London grew into a world capital of finance, fashion and the arts, Bruges' development stalled after the 15th century, and neither the Industrial Revolution nor two world wars altered the city. Even as Bruges' commerce and status declined, its scenic and cultural riches were preserved, so that now it stands as a picture-perfect enclave of Gothic architecture and Flemish heritage.
Bruges, or Brugge in the native language, is set in the northwest corner of Belgium, in the verdant, art-rich, Dutch-speaking region of Flanders. This is the town that's ...