Brugge in Amber

The canals of Brugge were the main arteries of trade with the rest of Europe in the middle ages, but after a main canal to the North sea silted up, Brugge was largely abandoned and trade moved to Antwerp instead, leaving the town to sleep in relative obscurity until "rediscovered" in the 19th century. The architectural heritage was spared the industrial revolution, as if preserved in amber. Streets of water reflect the Delft blue sky and amber-lit Flemish mansions, huddled together and framed with lush trees sprouting from ancient courtyards. The 13th century belfry towers in the distance, abstracted in the Dijver Canal below the “Rozenhoedkaay.”