The Belfry of Bruges is a medieval bell tower built around 1240. The city at the time of construction was an important trading centre and the tower was home to the city archives, these however were lost when a fire swept through the tower in 1280. The belfry has suffered from fire damage on at least another 2 occasions and is lower than it's historic height due to these fires destroying the wooden spires that sat atop the tower. The Belfry has housed the municipal archives, a treasury, and acted as an observation post throughout its history. The Belfry also formally hosted a market hall and has an enclosed courtyard to the rear. The observation platform giving outstanding views of the city at a height of approx 272feet is reached by a narrow staircase 366 steps.
Since 1999 the Belfry has been a UNESCO world site and featured in the IN Bruges film staring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes.
The pictures were taken in November 2015 using a polaroid is2132 bridge camera, clicking any image should open a link in another window to the higher resolution, un-watermarked version on Clickasnap.
Get ready to be transported to the enchanting canals and historic piazzas of Italy's most unique city! I'm thrilled to announce my latest YouTube upload: "A Trip to Venice."
This captivating video, approximately 2.5 minutes long, is a curated collection of scenes I captured during my few days exploring Venice at the end of October and beginning of November 2018. From the moment you hit play, you'll glide along the iconic Grand Canal on a mesmerizing boat trip, witnessing the city's grandeur from its watery arteries.
The video also takes you through the bustling and magnificent St. Mark's area, showcasing its architectural wonders and vibrant atmosphere. Beyond the famous landmarks, you'll discover various other short, intimate clips highlighting Venice's charming smaller canals, intricate bridges, and the timeless beauty of its ancient buildings.
Venice, with its enchanting canals and historic architecture, holds an undeniable allure. But in October-November 2018, during my visit, the city offered a stark, firsthand glimpse into its unique challenges. I arrived to find Venice battling what hotel staff informed me was its worst flooding since 1968. My 1-minute, 50-second video, "St Marks Square Flooding," captures various scenes filmed around the iconic square on random days and times during my stay, showcasing the pervasive nature of the acqua alta.
Waist-High Waters and Resilient Spirits
The moment I stepped off the vaporetto, the reality of the situation hit me – literally. I had to wade through waist-high water across St. Mark's Square just to reach my hotel. It was an immediate and unforgettable introduction to Venice's watery embrace. Every single day of my trip, the area was flooded to some degree, a constant reminder of the city's delicate balance with the sea.
What struck me most, beyond the sheer volume of water, was the incredible resilience of the Venetian people. They didn't lament or complain; they simply accepted the flooding as part of their everyday life. I saw locals navigating the submerged streets with a calm pragmatism, adapting their routines to the ever-present water. Their spirit was truly fantastic, a testament to generations of living in harmony with – and at the mercy of – the tides.
A Lingering Concern for Venice's Future
Recent news reports have sadly indicated that Venice has experienced even worse flooding since my 2018 visit. My heart goes out to the residents, and I feel desperately sad for the continuous challenges they face. It highlights the urgent need for long-promised flood defences, such as the MOSE project, to finally be completed and become fully effective. One can only hope that these crucial measures will soon provide the protection Venice so desperately needs, allowing its beauty and unique way of life to thrive for generations to come.
My video serves as a small, personal document of a truly impactful experience, a visual diary of a city learning to live with its extraordinary watery landscape.
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