BELGIUM: Bruges (Brugge), medieval city

Bruges (Flemish: Brugge) is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium. Along with a few other canal-based northern cities, such as Amsterdam and St Petersburg, it is sometimes referred to as the Venice of the North. Bruges has a significant economic importance, thanks to its port, and was once one of the world's chief commercial cities. Bruges has most of its medieval architecture intact, making it one of the best preserved medieval towns/cities in Europe. The historic centre of Bruges has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Many of its medieval buildings are notable, including the Church of Our Lady, whose brick spire reaches 115.6 m ( ft), making it the world's second highest brick tower/building. The sculpture Madonna and Child, which can be seen in the transept, is believed to be the only of Michelangelo's sculptures to have left Italy within his lifetime. Bruges' most famous landmark is its 13th-cen