Walks, Winds and Ways

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If spending time outdoors while visiting Bruges is more interesting than fighting other tourists for space in a museum or a crowded bar, there is much to keep you busy.

Spectacular architecture fills the city at every turn but if you are looking for a lovely place to stroll, exercise or even enjoy a picnic, head over to the eastern side of Bruges.

Aware that Belgium has a rich mill history dating back to the 16th century when twenty-three windmills graced the city, I was anxious to set aside some time during our visit to see the four mills that dot the city’s landscape and once produced the flour needed for the daily diet of the urban population.

Heading from the city center, it took us about fifteen minutes to reach the first windmill, located near the Kruispoort gate, which is quite fascinating in itself. The Kruispoort was completed in 1304 and rebuilt a short time later in 1366. It was destroyed in 1382 when Philip van Artevelde captured the city with the Ghent militia. The gate was reconstructed in 1400 with the two heavy towers and a narrow passage being preserved. It should be noted that this was the location where the Scottish soldiers crossed into Bruges during the city’s liberation during World War 2.

The Kruispoort gate is one of four remaining gates to the city. The others, Gentpoort (on the eastern side), Ezelpoort (dating back to 1369) and Smedenpoort (dating back to 1368) are all worth a visit when walking the entire circuit around the city. The Dampoort, probably the most noteworthy due to its massive size (a complex of three interconnected gates), was demolished in 1871, but a part of one of the round towers is still visible.

Ezelpoort, located on Ezelstraat on the crossing of Ezelstraat and the Gulden-Vlieslaan

Gentpoort, located on Gentpoortstraat on the crossing of the Gentpoorstraat, Boninvest and Gentpoortvest

Smedenpoort (The Blacksmith’s Gate), located at the end of Smedenstraat on the crossing of the Smedenstraat and Buiten Boninvest

After walking through the Kruispoort, we began our walk along the ramparts and the canal to examine each of the windmills.

The first we encountered was Bonne Chiere also known as Staakmolen or Post Mill. Originally built in 1844 and then rebuilt at its current location in its same architectural style, this mill was never used for grinding grain. It is not open for visitors, however, you can walk right up to the structure for excellent views.

Sint-Janshuismill was located a short walk away. Built in 1770, this is the only mill standing on its original location and the only one open to the public. The wooden flour mill is still in operation.

A little further, we encountered Nieuwe Papegaai. Originally built in 1790 as an oil mill called the Hoge Seinemolen, this mill was moved to its current location in 1970. Similar to the other mills, this one has one a quirky piece of art perched on its roof…a parrot!

Finally, we reached the fourth and final windmill, Koeleweimolen, also known as the Coelewey Mill which was used for grinding corn. This mill was transported from Meulebeke where it was constructed in 1765.

Although it would have been nice to walk the entire circuit around the city to see the other gates, time was not on our side. It was fascinating, however, to witness some of historical construction outside of the city center and the picturesque scenes along the canal.

Besides, who doesn’t love a windmill?

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Kruispoort

Ezelpoort

Geentpoort

  • Address: Gentpoortvest, Bruges 8000 Belgium
  • Hours: 24 hours, daily
  • Admission: free
  • Getting There: Located on Gentpoortstraat on the crossing of the Gentpoorstraat, Boninvest and Gentpoortvest.

Smedenpoort

Bonne-Chieremolen

Sint-Janshuismill

  • https://www.visitbruges.be/en/windmills-of-bruges
  • Address: Kruisvest 3, 8000 Bruges, Belgium
  • Hours: May 21-31, 0930-1300. June-September, 0930-1230 and 1300-1700, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Monday.
  • Admission: Adults, €4.00, Seniors 65+, €3.00, Youth (ages 18-25), €3.00, Children (ages 0-17), free

Nieuwe Papegaai

Koeleweimolen

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