Bruges & Damme: Scenic Countryside Bike Tour with Tapas

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Cosa farai

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   Oldest part of the city

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   Oldest part of the city

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   The Manhattan of Burgundian Bruges in the Middle Ages

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   The Manhattan of Burgundian Bruges in the Middle Ages. A lively port where busy traders assembled from all over Europe, and you could hear every imaginable language. A tangle of people loading and unloading pressed around the Toll House and the Rijkepijndershuis while citizens and merchants watched approvingly from the Burghers’ Lodge. Today the square is dominated by the stately presence of the world-famous master painter Jan van Eyck.

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   The Jerusalem Chapel, located on the Adornes estate, is the private chapel of the noble Genoese Adornes merchant family

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   The Jerusalem Chapel, located on the Adornes estate, is the private chapel of the noble Genoese Adornes merchant family. It was consecrated in 1429 and was inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

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   Sint-Janshuis Mill is the only one of the four windmills on the city ramparts where grain is still actually ground

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   Sint-Janshuis Mill is the only one of the four windmills on the city ramparts where grain is still actually ground. If the wind is favourable, you can even see the mechanism in operation. Moreover, anyone who climbs the steep stairs gets a breathtaking view of the green city ramparts of Bruges

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   We'll follow the scenic way along the canal to Damme

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   We'll follow the scenic way along the canal to Damme

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   In the heart of Damme, the statue of Jacob van Maerlant stands proudly in the Markt

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   In the heart of Damme, the statue of Jacob van Maerlant stands proudly in the Markt. The medieval poet looks thoughtful and dignified, dressed like a learned scholar. At his feet lie several heavy books, symbolizing the many works he wrote. With one hand raised, he seems almost ready to speak to the people gathered around him. Behind him rises the historic town hall, giving the statue a timeless, medieval atmosphere.

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   Damme's Gothic town hall dates back to the 15th century

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   Damme's Gothic town hall dates back to the 15th century. The niches on the façade feature important figures from Damme's history. Two justice stones are mounted on the right-hand corner of the town hall. The clock tower houses a carillon with 39 bells. The sundial and the clock mechanism also date from the 15th century.

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   Damme's absolute must-see is the robust Church of Our Lady with its characteristic flat tower

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   Damme's absolute must-see is the robust Church of Our Lady with its characteristic flat tower. From April to September, you can climb the 206 steps to enjoy a wonderful panorama. There is a phenomenal view of the 17th-century city walls, the Damme Canal and the extensive polder landscape.

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   This market square refers to the herring pile

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   This market square refers to the herring pile. In the 15th century, 28 million jacked herrings were traded in Damme on an annual basis, mainly brought in from Schonen (Sweden). Coopers supplied the barrels for the herring trade. Under the Tree of Liberty (1905) stands the fraternity monument of Damme with Damme-Oldenburg in Germany, a statue made by our Grandfather, Jef Claerhout.

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    The road towards Siphon winds quietly through the open polder landscape around Damme

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    The road towards Siphon winds quietly through the open polder landscape around Damme. On both sides, wide green fields stretch towards the horizon, divided by narrow canals and ditches. Tall poplars and rows of trees line parts of the road, while old farmhouses appear here and there among the fields. The flat landscape creates a feeling of endless space, with huge skies above and few buildings to disturb the peaceful view. As you travel towards Siphon, the winding road, waterways and distant church towers create a typically Flemish countryside scene! Calm, spacious and almost timeless.

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    The Schellemolen was built in 1867 on the mound of an old wooden mill

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    The Schellemolen was built in 1867 on the mound of an old wooden mill. For centuries, a ban mill stood here, the feudal rights of which were sold to the city in 1267 by Countess Margaret of Constantinople. The Schellemolen is a protected monument managed by the Provincial Government of West Flanders and is part of a protected townscape. An oil mill is housed in the mill mound.

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    The Hoeke Windmill is a charming historic windmill standing in the open polder landscape near Damme

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    The Hoeke Windmill is a charming historic windmill standing in the open polder landscape near Damme. Its tall wooden structure rises above the flat green fields, making it easy to spot from a distance. Surrounded by quiet farmland and wide skies, the mill creates a picturesque Flemish countryside scene. The sails and dark wooden body contrast beautifully with the bright fields and changing colours of the landscape. It is a peaceful place where the traditional character of the Damme polders can be seen at its best.