Friday 2 March 2012

The Poortersloge, playground of the rich from the 15th century, Brugge

Brugge was a centre of trade during the medieval times. The Poortersloge was used by the rich to discuss trade and have fun. This amazing building is 600 years old and now holds the city archive and academy of art. But let’s go back to the medieval times. Do you see the bear holding a shield? Again this refers to the symbol of Brugge but also to the society of the White Bear who had its seat in the Poorterloge. This society was organising jousts between knights, a dangerous sport that took the lives of many men. The games however were normally not to the death, so we Belgians could claim to be less cruel. These were violent times, but the building is a master piece. Brugge still holds these jousts occasionally but now only for fun and folklore.

Brugge was een handelscentrum gedurende de Middeleeuwen. De Poortersloge werd gebruikt door de rijken voor handelsbetrekkingen en plezier. Dit ongelooflijke gebouw is 600 jaar oud en huisvest nu het stadsarchief en de kunstacademie. Maar laat ons terug gaan naar de Middeleeuwen. Zie je die beer met zijn schild? Terug het symbool van Brugge, maar ook dat van het gezelschap van de Witte Beer die hier in de Poortersloge zijn zetel had. Deze vereniging organiseerde steekspelen tussen ridders, een gevaarlijke sport die vele levens eiste. De steekspelen waren echter niet tot de dood, wat ons Belgen minder wreed maakt. Het waren echter tijden vol geweld maar de Poortersloge blijft een meesterwerk. Brugge organiseert nog wel eens steekspelen maar enkel voor het plezier en de folklore..

Poortersloge
Poortersloge
Poortersloge
Poortersloge
Poortersloge
Poortersloge
Poortersloge
Gezelschap Witte Beer
Last picture from Seniorennet – Bruggeblog – Mr. Flater

Steekspel
Previous Brugge article: Restaurant Hertog Jan in Brugge which just received a third Michelin Star

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14 comments:

  1. Heips!
    Brugge really looks very beautifull, and your fotos are goooood.

    Have a nice weekend
    orvokki

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  2. Mooie composities.....prima opnames.

    Groet, Joop

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  3. Wonderful photos from Brugge. I like the architecture and your last photo especially.
    Kind regards, Synnöve

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  4. Een prachtige serie weer.
    Fijn weekend, Mirthe

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  5. Great architecture! I like the attention which you grant details.
    Wish you a wonderful weekend.
    Greetings, Carmen

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  6. What an interesting post and your pictures are very good. Fascinating details in those buildings. Thanks for sharing. :)

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  7. Excellent Blog! Love the jousters!

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  8. What great closeups of the architecture - I like the dormers, the steeple, and the detail on the roof.

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  9. You had some good shots looking up ! Have a beautiful Sunday !

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  10. interesting shots and such beautiful architecture. the last photo is my favourite. :)

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  11. This building has a very ornate exterior and a long history. Love the windows.

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  12. Fabulous building and architecture. Interesting history about jousting in Brugge

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  13. Awesome event, thanks so much for this tour!I love Brugges and I need to come back.This city is enchanting!
    hugs and a nice weekend,
    Léia

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  14. great presentation of this amazing building...I really like how you show the total view and then draw our attention to the attention-worthy details!

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