Historic city in NW Belgium; capital of W
Flanders province, 16 km/10 mi from the North
Sea, with which it is connected by canal;
population (1985) 117,700. Bruges was the
capital of medieval Flanders and was the
chief European wool manufacturing town as
well as its chief market. features Among many
fine buildings are the 14th-century
cathedral, the church of Notre Dame with a
Michelangelo statue of the Virgin and Child,
the Gothic town hall and market hall; there
are remarkable art collections. It was named
for its many bridges. The College of Europe
is the oldest centre of European studies. The
contemporary port handles coal, iron ore,
oil, and fish. Local manufactures include
lace, textiles, paint, steel, beer,
furniture, and motors.