Monday, November 25, 2024

Bruges, Belgium

 Bruges, Belgium

We visited Bruges on a rainy day in November 2024.  My main goal in visiting Bruges was to see Michelangelo's Madonna and Child sculpture, which he created in 1504.  It was stolen by the Nazis during World War 2 with the intention of putting it in Hitler's art museum.  Luckily it was recovered in a salt mine in Altaussee, Austria by the Monuments Men.  It was recovered at the same time as the Ghent Altarpiece.  Today it is on display in the Church of Our Lady in Bruges.  

We also went to the market and found all kinds of things we couldn't live without.  And of course we enjoyed some Belgium waffles!


Madonna & Child in Church of Our Lady


Michelangelo's sculpture is about 4 feet high


approaching Church of Our Lady

Fountain outside the Church of Our Lady















































a chocolate shop


















De Markt





Sint-Salvatorskathedraal







Poertoren Tower




Arc de Triomphe

 Arc de Triomphe The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous sites in Paris.  It has been featured in multiple movies and is a landmark th...