The delightful medieval town of Bruges, characterised by its fine historical buildings, canals and cobbled streets, is the focus of this brand new tour. Based in the heart of the city, we will be perfectly situated to explore Bruges’s sites of artistic and architectural interest in depth.
Once a commercial capital of Europe, Bruges – the centre of which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site – was the home of the Flemish Primitives. Works by artists including Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling are visible in the city’s churches and museums, and we will become closely acquainted with the oeuvres of such artists during a visit to the Groeningemuseum, as well as discovering the museum’s rich offerings from other centuries.
Other cultural highlights within Bruges include the Church of Our Lady, best known for its Madonna by Michelangelo, and the Hospital of St John, established in the 12th century and home to a renowned collection of works by Memling.
With 2019 seeing the mid-point of a nationwide cultural celebration of the legacies of the Flemish Masters, as well as the 450th anniversary of the death of artist Pieter Bruegel the Elder, this tour will be specially designed to immerse participants in the rich history of this charming city.
This tour will be led by art historian Sarah Burles, MA. Sarah read History of Art at Cambridge before going on to a career in museum and gallery education. This included twelve years at the Fitzwilliam Museum as well as work in other Cambridge museums. Sarah will be travelling to Bruges in the summer of 2018 in preparation for this new tour.
Bruges is one in a new series of more gently paced tours, created specially by ACE for those who prefer a more laid-back, less physically demanding itinerary while retaining the same high level of academic content. Walking distances are typically shorter, visits are more relaxed, and time is dedicated to the gradual appreciation of, and exploration within, our immediate surroundings. Hotels will usually be situated in central locations to allow for ease of access to major amenities; while group members are regularly encouraged to enjoy each location in their own way and at their own pace. |
