The dames of Bruges

The history of Bruges is usually told from a male perspective. It is a tale of counts and dukes like Baldwin with the iron arm or Philip the Good, talented craftsmen, writers and painters like Jan Van Eyck or Hans Memling, noblemen like Louis of Gruuthuse and brave knights and soldiers. We tend to believe that the Middle Ages were dark times where women were helpless princesses, childbearing housewives or pious nuns. High time to set the record straight! Bruges was in the Middle Ages a place of emancipation where women took up a prominent role in society. Women were able to invest, buy and sell products, work as artisans, artists, painters or writers, become succesfull businesswomen and mighty queens and sovereigns were the influencers of their time. It was a time when single women stood their own in beguinages, where poor women could mary for love or become prostitutes in the popular bath houses while the daughters of kings were often just pieces on the political chessboard. The lives of the dames of Bruges were as colorful as that of their male counterparts, come and discover their history on the streets of Bruges.

Generally my tours take two hours walking through the city. The start, end and route of the tour can be customized to your needs and wishes. We can for instance pick you up at your hotel, the train station, your breakfast or lunch place. Each walk can be extented and sites you really do not want to miss can be included. Each walk can be further personalized according to your interest and background knowledge without any extra charge, making each tour a unique and personal experience.

As a local of Bruges I know all the ins and outs of the city. Visiting Bruges should feel like visiting a friends hometown knowing there is someone to answer all your questions, be them historical or practical. I will be more than happy to advise you and to answer any questions you may have about your stay in the city.