# Bruges

> city in West Flanders, Belgium

**Wikidata**: [Q12994](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12994)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruges)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bruges

## Summary
Bruges is a city in West Flanders, Belgium, classified as a large human settlement and a big city with a population of at least 100,000. It holds the honorary title of a Belgian city and is part of the municipality of Belgium, with Dutch as its primary language. The city is known for its historical significance, cultural heritage, and membership in organizations such as the Organization of World Heritage Cities.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Large human settlement, big city (population ≥ 100,000), Belgian municipality with the title of city.
- **Location**: West Flanders, Belgium.
- **Language**: Dutch.
- **Memberships**: Organization of World Heritage Cities (since 1993), International Union of Immunological Societies (since 1969).
- **Historical Context**: Part of the County of Flanders (inception 866), previously under the United Kingdom of the Netherlands (1815–1839) and France (until 1814).
- **Administrative Division**: Arrondissement of Bruges, Belgium.
- **Population**: 118,509 (as of 2022).
- **Area**: 140.99 square kilometers (as of 2021).
- **Coordinates**: 51.2089°N, 3.2242°E.
- **Postal Codes**: 8000, 8380, 8310, 8200.
- **Official Name**: Stad Brugge.
- **Anthem**: "k En Brugge in m'n herte" (since 2021).
- **Patron Saint**: Donatian of Reims.
- **Timezone**: UTC+01:00.
- **Website**: [brugge.be](https://www.brugge.be/).
- **Twitter**: @stadbrugge (verified since 2009).
- **Instagram**: @stadbrugge.
- **Facebook**: destadbrugge.
- **YouTube**: destadbrugge (channel ID: UCB40NhjBgX4IsvtJLO9Uhsg).
- **Subreddit**: r/bruges (English) and r/brugge (Dutch).
- **UN/LOCODE**: BEBGS.
- **Capital of**: West Flanders, County of Flanders, Lys.
- **Contains Settlements**: Sint-Michiels, Dudzele, Sint-Andries, Assebroek, Lissewege.
- **Borders With**: Blankenberge, Knokke-Heist, Oostkamp, Damme.
- **Head of Government**: Dirk De fauw (since 2019).
- **Office Held**: Mayor of Bruges.
- **Local Dialing Code**: 050.
- **Phone Number**: +32-50-44-80-00.
- **Email**: info@brugge.be.
- **EU VAT Number**: BE0207528035.
- **Legal Entity Identifier**: 549300DLQQV8DKLFGG51.
- **Enterprise Number (Belgium)**: 0207528035.
- **Annual Weddings**: 455 (2016).
- **Elevation**: 2–4 meters above sea level.
- **Shares Border With**: Boudewijnkanaal, Reie, North Sea.

## FAQs
- **What is Bruges known for?** Bruges is renowned for its medieval architecture, including the Belfry of Bruges and the Church of Our Lady, as well as its UNESCO World Heritage status. It is also famous for its beer culture, historical significance, and the Ghent-Bruges school of manuscript illumination.
- **What organizations is Bruges a member of?** Bruges is a member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities (since 1993) and the International Union of Immunological Societies (since 1969).
- **What is the population of Bruges?** As of 2022, Bruges has a population of 118,509.
- **What is the official language of Bruges?** The official language of Bruges is Dutch.
- **What is the anthem of Bruges?** The anthem of Bruges is "k En Brugge in m'n herte," adopted in 2021.
- **What is the patron saint of Bruges?** The patron saint of Bruges is Donatian of Reims.
- **What are the postal codes for Bruges?** The postal codes for Bruges are 8000, 8380, 8310, and 8200.
- **What is the timezone of Bruges?** Bruges operates on UTC+01:00.
- **What is the official name of Bruges?** The official name of Bruges is Stad Brugge.
- **What is the head of government of Bruges?** The head of government of Bruges is Dirk De fauw, serving as Mayor since 2019.

## Why It Matters
Bruges holds significant historical and cultural importance as a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserving its medieval architecture and contributing to the Ghent-Bruges school of manuscript illumination. Its membership in the Organization of World Heritage Cities underscores its global recognition. The city’s beer culture, represented by breweries like De Halve Maan and Brouwerij De Cop, highlights its economic and cultural significance. Additionally, Bruges serves as a key administrative and economic hub in West Flanders, Belgium, with a population of over 100,000. Its role in the County of Flanders and its historical ties to the United Kingdom of the Netherlands and France further emphasize its historical depth. The city’s annual weddings and its status as a mayoral seat reflect its social and political importance.

## Notable For
- **UNESCO World Heritage Site**: Bruges is recognized for its medieval architecture and historical significance.
- **Ghent-Bruges School of Manuscript Illumination**: The city is notable for its contributions to the art of manuscript illumination.
- **Beer Culture**: Bruges is famous for its breweries and beer culture, including De Halve Maan and Brouwerij De Cop.
- **Organization Memberships**: Bruges is a member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities (since 1993) and the International Union of Immunological Societies (since 1969).
- **Historical Significance**: The city has been part of the County of Flanders since 866 and has historical ties to the United Kingdom of the Netherlands (1815–1839) and France (until 1814).
- **Administrative Hub**: Bruges serves as the capital of West Flanders, County of Flanders, and Lys.
- **Population**: With a population of 118,509 (2022), Bruges is a significant urban center in Belgium.
- **Cultural Heritage**: The city is known for its historical landmarks, including the Belfry of Bruges and the Church of Our Lady.
- **Economic and Social Role**: Bruges plays a crucial role in the economy and social life of West Flanders, with notable institutions like the European Beer Consumers' Union and the Club Brugge K.V. football club.

## Body
### Overview
Bruges is a city in West Flanders, Belgium, classified as a large human settlement and a big city with a population of at least 100,000. It holds the honorary title of a Belgian city and is part of the municipality of Belgium, with Dutch as its primary language. The city is known for its historical significance, cultural heritage, and membership in organizations such as the Organization of World Heritage Cities.

### Classification and Location
- **Classification**: Bruges is classified as a large human settlement, a big city (population ≥ 100,000), and a Belgian municipality with the title of city.
- **Location**: It is situated in West Flanders, Belgium, and is part of the Arrondissement of Bruges.
- **Historical Context**: Bruges has been part of the County of Flanders since 866 and has historical ties to the United Kingdom of the Netherlands (1815–1839) and France (until 1814).

### Demographics and Geography
- **Population**: As of 2022, Bruges has a population of 118,509.
- **Area**: The city covers an area of 140.99 square kilometers (as of 2021).
- **Coordinates**: Bruges is located at 51.2089°N, 3.2242°E.
- **Postal Codes**: The postal codes for Bruges are 8000, 8380, 8310, and 8200.
- **Elevation**: The city has an elevation of 2–4 meters above sea level.

### Administrative and Political Structure
- **Official Name**: The official name of Bruges is Stad Brugge.
- **Head of Government**: The head of government of Bruges is Dirk De fauw, serving as Mayor since 2019.
- **Office Held**: The office held by the head of government is Mayor of Bruges.
- **Local Dialing Code**: The local dialing code for Bruges is 050.
- **Phone Number**: The official phone number for Bruges is +32-50-44-80-00.
- **Email**: The official email address for Bruges is info@brugge.be.
- **EU VAT Number**: The EU VAT number for Bruges is BE0207528035.
- **Legal Entity Identifier**: The legal entity identifier for Bruges is 549300DLQQV8DKLFGG51.
- **Enterprise Number (Belgium)**: The enterprise number for Bruges is 0207528035.

### Cultural and Historical Significance
- **UNESCO World Heritage Site**: Bruges is recognized for its medieval architecture and historical significance.
- **Ghent-Bruges School of Manuscript Illumination**: The city is notable for its contributions to the art of manuscript illumination.
- **Beer Culture**: Bruges is famous for its breweries and beer culture, including De Halve Maan and Brouwerij De Cop.
- **Organization Memberships**: Bruges is a member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities (since 1993) and the International Union of Immunological Societies (since 1969).
- **Historical Significance**: The city has been part of the County of Flanders since 866 and has historical ties to the United Kingdom of the Netherlands (1815–1839) and France (until 1814).
- **Administrative Hub**: Bruges serves as the capital of West Flanders, County of Flanders, and Lys.
- **Population**: With a population of 118,509 (2022), Bruges is a significant urban center in Belgium.
- **Cultural Heritage**: The city is known for its historical landmarks, including the Belfry of Bruges and the Church of Our Lady.
- **Economic and Social Role**: Bruges plays a crucial role in the economy and social life of West Flanders, with notable institutions like the European Beer Consumers' Union and the Club Brugge K.V. football club.

### Notable Landmarks and Institutions
- **Belfry of Bruges**: A medieval bell tower and UNESCO World Heritage site.
- **Church of Our Lady**: A historic church in Bruges.
- **De Halve Maan Brewery**: A notable brewery in Bruges.
- **Brouwerij De Cop**: Another significant brewery in the city.
- **Club Brugge K.V.**: A prominent football club in Bruges.
- **European Beer Consumers' Union**: An organization based in Bruges.
- **Gruuthusemuseum**: A museum in Bruges.
- **Groeningemuseum**: An art museum in Bruges.
- **Concertgebouw**: A concert hall in Bruges.
- **Sint-Janshospitaal**: A historic hospital and museum in Bruges.

### Social and Economic Context
- **Annual Weddings**: Bruges hosts approximately 455 weddings annually (2016).
- **Borders With**: The city shares borders with Blankenberge, Knokke-Heist, Oostkamp, and Damme.
- **Shares Border With**: Bruges also shares borders with the Boudewijnkanaal, Reie, and the North Sea.

### Digital Presence and Communication
- **Website**: The official website for Bruges is [brugge.be](https://www.brugge.be/).
- **Twitter**: The official Twitter handle for Bruges is @stadbrugge (verified since 2009).
- **Instagram**: The official Instagram handle for Bruges is @stadbrugge.
- **Facebook**: The official Facebook page for Bruges is destadbrugge.
- **YouTube**: The official YouTube channel for Bruges is destadbrugge (channel ID: UCB40NhjBgX4IsvtJLO9Uhsg).
- **Subreddit**: Bruges has active subreddits, including r/bruges (English) and r/brugge (Dutch).
- **UN/LOCODE**: The UN/LOCODE for Bruges is BEBGS.

### Anthem and Patron Saint
- **Anthem**: The anthem of Bruges is "k En Brugge in m'n herte," adopted in 2021.
- **Patron Saint**: The patron saint of Bruges is Donatian of Reims.

### Timezone and Official Language
- **Timezone**: Bruges operates on UTC+01:00.
- **Official Language**: The official language of Bruges is Dutch.

### Contains Settlements
Bruges contains several settlements, including Sint-Michiels, Dudzele, Sint-Andries, Assebroek, and Lissewege.

### Notable For
- **UNESCO World Heritage Site**: Bruges is recognized for its medieval architecture and historical significance.
- **Ghent-Bruges School of Manuscript Illumination**: The city is notable for its contributions to the art of manuscript illumination.
- **Beer Culture**: Bruges is famous for its breweries and beer culture, including De Halve Maan and Brouwerij De Cop.
- **Organization Memberships**: Bruges is a member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities (since 1993) and the International Union of Immunological Societies (since 1969).
- **Historical Significance**: The city has been part of the County of Flanders since 866 and has historical ties to the United Kingdom of the Netherlands (1815–1839) and France (until 1814).
- **Administrative Hub**: Bruges serves as the capital of West Flanders, County of Flanders, and Lys.
- **Population**: With a population of 118,509 (2022), Bruges is a significant urban center in Belgium.
- **Cultural Heritage**: The city is known for its historical landmarks, including the Belfry of Bruges and the Church of Our Lady.
- **Economic and Social Role**: Bruges plays a crucial role in the economy and social life of West Flanders, with notable institutions like the European Beer Consumers' Union and the Club Brugge K.V. football club.

## References

1. archINFORM
2. GEOnet Names Server. 2018
3. Global LEI Index
4. [Source](https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2021/06/29/k-hen-brugge-in-mijn-erte-officieel-volkslied-van-brugge/)
5. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20161009154216/http://www.chivasdecorazon.com.mx/historia/detalle)
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. BnF authorities
8. Crossroad Bank of Enterprises
9. [Source](https://brugselegenden.blogspot.com/2014/10/de-legende-van-sint-donaas.html)
10. [Source](https://www.ovpm.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/liste-villes-en-regle-pour-page-web12-03-2024.pdf)
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. Czech National Authority Database
13. [Source](https://brugge.be)
14. MusicBrainz
15. [Wettelijke Bevolking per gemeente op 1 januari 2018. Statbel](https://statbel.fgov.be/sites/default/files/files/documents/bevolking/5.1%20Structuur%20van%20de%20bevolking/Wettelijke_bevolking_per_gemeente_2011_2017.xls)
16. [Bevolking per gemeente op 1 januari 2022. Statbel](https://statbel.fgov.be/sites/default/files/files/documents/bevolking/5.1%20Structuur%20van%20de%20bevolking/Bevolking_per_gemeente.xlsx)
17. GeoNames
18. BBC Things
19. [Source](https://locode.info/BE)
20. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
21. Enciclopedia Treccani
22. [Source](https://www.govdirectory.org/belgium/)
23. YouTube API
24. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
25. [Source](http://www.lalibre.be/actu/belgique/voici-le-nombre-de-mariages-et-divorces-par-communes-en-belgique-5a32911bcd700ea8c6f461b7)
26. [Source](https://www.bungalowparkoverzicht.nl/plaats/brugge/)
27. Name Suggestion Index
28. [Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands](https://biblio.hiu.cas.cz/records/1bc53ebd-08fe-463e-967a-13fbfa0a551a)
29. museum-digital
30. [Best Bruges Posts - Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/t/bruges/)
31. Organization register Flemish government