OK, back to the 4th of July, which suddenly seems like a million years ago, but is really barely a month removed (this six credit class I've been teaching has been pretty all-consuming and time is flying by). Anyone who has seen the movie In Bruges (and you really should see it) is familar with the Belfry (Belfort). You enter it from the Markt, the larger of the two squares that lie at the center of Bruges. The lower section dates back to the early 13th century, and the upper area (the tower is 272 feet high) was added in the 14th and 15th centuries. The climb up is pretty cramped and it helps to be in shape - still, it's not too bad (and it was a hot day). Unfortunately, they were doing some construction at the top so half of the spectacular view was cut off - although they made up for it by giving out free passes to one of the multiple museums that are spread around town. I never pass up the opportunity to take these extra climbs (Villach, Paris, Barcelona, Vienna) and they never disappoint. So, if you're in Bruges - and even though it may seem terribly touristy - definitely climb up the 366 steps to the top.
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