A Reflection of a Medieval Town: The Historic Center of Brugge: UNESCO Culture Sector

However in the late 15^th century, the canals became blocked with mud and the city inaccessible by ship. Trading declined. Flanders used to produce high-class wool fabrics using wool imported from Britain. Merchant houses at the height of their prosperity were called Guild Houses. There are signs above the doorways.

The building on the right used to be the house of a merchant called Bourse. The world’s first stock exchange was founded here. This is "Bourse" in the local language. Bruges became a thriving center for finance and joined the "Hanseatic League". Merchants pioneered the town’s construction. This belfry was built as a watchtower and became a symbol of the town’s independence. In the top part of the Belfry, a set of bells called Carillon tells the time.