BRUGES
Bruges is a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage city where medieval charm meets modern creativity. With its winding canals, historic streets, world-class gastronomy, and vibrant artisan scene, Bruges offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation—all within walking distance in the heart of Europe.
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GHENT
Ghent is a historic city in Belgium, known for its medieval architecture and vibrant culture. It is home to the stunning Gravensteen Castle, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, and the famous Ghent Altarpiece. The city has a lively atmosphere with canals, cobbled streets, and a bustling student population.
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Welcome to the World Heritage City of Bruges!
It is only fair to say that the places that stir all your senses and that creep under your skin are extremely rare. These are the places that pluck your heartstrings, yet whose secrets you can’t unlock completely. Bruges happens to be such a unique place. Cultural and artistic, cosmopolitan, unashamedly Burgundian, mysteriously medieval, and a Unesco World Heritage site to boot. Strolling along Bruges’ alleys, picturesque canals and verdant ramparts you cannot but fall hopelessly in love with her elegant mysteriousness.
History in a nutshell
Although the Bruges region was already populated in Roman times, the city’s name appears for the first time in the 9th century, probably derived from the Old Germanic word ‘brugj’, which means ‘mooring’. Bruges has always had a special bond with the sea. After all, water played a crucial role in the city’s foundation. It was the place where several streams merged into a single river (the ‘Reie’), which flowed north into the coastal plain. This river was linked to the North Sea through a series of ‘tidal channels’, guaranteeing the city’s future welfare and prosperity.
The highlights
You’ve only really seen Bruges if you’ve visited the classics. From the Rozenhoedkaai and the Market Square, through the Lake of Love and the canals, to the Beguinage, the almshouses and much more. Iconic sites that give the city its look and charm you instantly. Now centuries old, now dazzlingly young, but always exceptionally impressive. Not to be left off your to-do list!
Gastronomy
Bruges is one of the gastronomic centres of Europe and boasts an impressive number of star-rated restaurants. Whether you swear by fish or prefer meat; whether you love beer in your dishes or would rather have a wine-based sauce; whether you are a fan of exotic culinary delights or a devotee of authentic, local cooking, the superior kitchens in Bruges have so much to offer that everyone will be able to discover recipe to his or her taste.
- UNESCO World heritage city
- At the heart of Europe
- On human scale: no (public) transport needed. Everything is within walking distance
GHENT
Ghent is a historic city in Belgium, known for its medieval architecture and vibrant culture. It is home to the stunning Gravensteen Castle, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, and the famous Ghent Altarpiece. The city has a lively atmosphere with canals, cobbled streets, and a bustling student population. Ghent is also famous for its festivals, such as the Gentse Feesten, a 10-day cultural celebration. The city offers a mix of history and modern life, with trendy cafés, museums, and street art.
Ghent is known for its delicious regional specialties that reflect its rich culinary heritage. One of the most famous dishes is Gentse Waterzooi, a creamy stew made with chicken or fish, vegetables, and herbs. Another local favorite is stoverij, a hearty beef stew cooked with dark Belgian beer and served with fries. Gentse neuzen, or "cuberdons," are cone-shaped raspberry-flavored candies with a soft filling. The city also offers Tierenteyn mustard, a spicy and tangy mustard made in Ghent since the 19th century. For a sweet treat, try mastellen, a type of spiced bun often enjoyed with butter and sugar. Ghent is also a paradise for vegetarians, as it is known as the "vegetarian capital of Europe." Local breweries produce excellent Belgian beers, perfect for pairing with traditional dishes. Whether sweet or savory, Ghent’s specialties offer a true taste of the city.
Hotelschool Gent
Hotelschool Gent is a vibrant vocational and technical school in the heart of Ghent, specialising in hospitality, culinary arts, and food craftsmanship. We shape passionate young professionals in bakery, chocolate, hotel, and restaurant services—combining hands-on training with strong theoretical and language skills.
Spermalie Brugge
Spermalie Brugge in Bruges is a warm and dynamic secondary school with over 70 years of expertise in hospitality, tourism, and communication. We empower students through hands-on, future-focused education, guiding them to grow with confidence, creativity, and professionalism in a caring school and boarding environment.