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Travel back in time to the Golden Age of Bruges

Experience medieval life as if you were there yourself! The various themed rooms of the Historium Story provide an impression of life in the 15th century with stunning sets, film, music, and special effects. Immerse yourself in an exciting love story, based on Jan van Eyck’s painting ‘Madonna with Canon Joris van der Paele’, and experience a magical journey of discovery that stimulates all your senses…

Click on the images below for more information about the various themes featured in the Historium.

The Bruges Quays

Dark Streets

Jan van Eyck's Studio

The Guilds

The Bathhouse

The Toll House

Ter Beurze

1. The Bruges Quays

2. Jan van Eyck's Studio

3. The Toll House

4. The Back Alleys

5. The Guilds

6. The Bathhouse

7. Ter Beurze

The Bruges quays

The most important import product was English wool, which was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth.

Bruges owed its prosperity in part to its strategic location: the city was situated halfway between Northern and Southern Europe, making it a true commercial hub. Bruges served as a hub for imports and exports during the Middle Ages. The most important import was English wool. This was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth, which was then exported. In this first themed room, you find yourself amidst the activities of Bruges’ medieval world port. The city itself had access to the sea via the Zwin, a channel that emptied into the North Sea and along which Damme and Sluis were located, two important transshipment ports for Bruges. The ships that arrived in Bruges with merchandise were flat-bottomed vessels. The port of Bruges was accessible only to keel-less ships.

The Hanseatic League (an alliance of merchants and cities during the Middle Ages) imported mainly raw materials and commodities from the North: furs from Russia and Eastern Europe, oak from Poland, cloth from England, spices from Portugal, and precious metals from southern Germany, which were used to produce refined metalwork in Bruges. Grain and wine also came from Germany. From the South, the Italians traded fine fabrics and alum to fix the color of cloth, as well as gemstones, pigments, ivory, oil, and gold from the East and North Africa. Leather, spices, pigments, and all kinds of metals came from the Iberian Peninsula.

Jan van Eyck Studio

The Bruges art of the Flemish Primitives was highly sought after

In Jan van Eyck's studio, you can observe the creation of his world-famous painting 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. Bruges was renowned for its production of luxury textiles and garments. However, Bruges art was also highly sought after: goldsmithing, manuscripts, miniatures, and, of course, the panels of the Flemish Primitives, such as Hans Memling and Jan van Eyck.

Jan van Eyck was commissioned by Canon Joris van der Paele to paint the 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. The canon had strong ties to Rome and was an erudite man. In the painting, Jesus is depicted with a rose-ringed parakeet. This bird symbolizes the human soul and reflects the canon's wealthy background. For the creation of the painting, Jan van Eyck used oil paint and Venetian turpentine or larch turpentine.

The Old Toll House

The levies were a significant source of income for the city and ensured prosperity.

Here you stand in the midst of everyday street life in Bruges in the year 1435, at the tollhouse. Every product that entered or left Bruges passed through a tollhouse where payment was required. The proceeds went indirectly to the sovereign. In 1435, this was the Duke of Burgundy. Furthermore, excise duties were levied on consumer goods, which were allocated to the city of Bruges. Payment was also required for every transaction and every transfer: for the unloading of goods by the 'pijnders' (porters), and for the use of the crane. All these levies increased the price that the buyer ultimately paid for their wares. However, they were also a vital source of income for the city and the state, ensuring prosperity.

Dark streets

Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

In the Middle Ages, a street looked very different than it does today. Many houses in Bruges were still partially made of wood. Only the main streets were paved with cobblestones. In small streets, the ground consisted of packed earth. There were no sidewalks. Drainage mainly flowed toward the canals (Reien). Here and there, water basins or fountains provided the city with water. They were connected to a network of lead pipes that supplied water from the reservoir. Besides the water basins and fountains, only palaces and certain houses were connected to the water main or 'moerbuis'. Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

The Guilds

Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the Paternoster makers

From a square, you can observe how business was conducted in the trading houses. In the Middle Ages, many merchants and artisans were members of a guild. The guild was a regulatory body that governed the work of its members, set quality standards, and determined the quantity each member was allowed to produce. This ensured that only the finest products reached the market, maintaining high and uniform quality. Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the paternoster makers. Products were also frequently sold in only one specific location.

The Bathhouse

In the Middle Ages, there were various types of bathhouses: women’s bathhouses, men’s bathhouses, ‘potstoven’ (private baths), and mixed bathhouses.

In the Middle Ages, bathhouses were places to gather, wash, and meet ladies. Although bathhouses were common throughout Europe, they were actually illegal. As long as the owners of the Bruges bathhouses paid their taxes, they were allowed to operate their establishments unhindered. This encouraged people to
conduct trade in Bruges. The setting of the bathhouse in the Historium is based on the many Flemish men's bathhouses, miniatures of bathhouses from manuscripts of 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses.

'Facta et dicta memorabilia' by Valerius Maximus and other manuscripts with decorations depicting private bathing scenes. These sources also show that there were different types of bathhouses in the Middle Ages: women's bathhouses, men's bathhouses, 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses. In the bathhouses, Brussels sage was often used for washing. Sage was used at the time as a kind of miracle cure that refreshed the body.

Ter Beurze

Experience the first stock market transactions of Bruges, the financial capital, at the Historium.

House Ter Beurze was the very first stock exchange building in the world. The house belonged to the Van der Beurse family, who ran an inn where mainly Italian merchants stayed. In the 15th century, the inn evolved into a bustling meeting place for the trade in bills of exchange. Thus, the word “beurs” (stock exchange), as we still know it today, originated from the name of both the family and the inn. Amsterdam and London later adopted the concept that had originated in Bruges. Bruges was the first financial capital of Northwest Europe, the “Wall Street” of the Middle Ages. In this room at the Historium, you can follow the first stock market transactions up close.

Dark streets

Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

In the Middle Ages, a street looked very different than it does today. Many houses in Bruges were still partially made of wood. Only the main streets were paved with cobblestones. In small streets, the ground consisted of packed earth. There were no sidewalks. Drainage mainly flowed toward the canals (Reien). Here and there, water basins or fountains provided the city with water. They were connected to a network of lead pipes that supplied water from the reservoir. Besides the water basins and fountains, only palaces and certain houses were connected to the water main or 'moerbuis'. Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

The Guilds

Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the Paternoster makers

From a square, you can observe how business was conducted in the trading houses. In the Middle Ages, many merchants and artisans were members of a guild. The guild was a regulatory body that governed the work of its members, set quality standards, and determined the quantity each member was allowed to produce. This ensured that only the finest products reached the market, maintaining high and uniform quality. Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the paternoster makers. Products were also frequently sold in only one specific location.

The Bathhouse

In the Middle Ages, there were various types of bathhouses: women’s bathhouses, men’s bathhouses, ‘potstoven’ (private baths), and mixed bathhouses.

In the Middle Ages, bathhouses were places to gather, wash, and meet ladies. Although bathhouses were common throughout Europe, they were actually illegal. As long as the owners of the Bruges bathhouses paid their taxes, they were allowed to operate their establishments unhindered. This encouraged people to
conduct trade in Bruges. The setting of the bathhouse in the Historium is based on the many Flemish men's bathhouses, miniatures of bathhouses from manuscripts of 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses.

'Facta et dicta memorabilia' by Valerius Maximus and other manuscripts with decorations depicting private bathing scenes. These sources also show that there were different types of bathhouses in the Middle Ages: women's bathhouses, men's bathhouses, 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses. In the bathhouses, Brussels sage was often used for washing. Sage was used at the time as a kind of miracle cure that refreshed the body.

Ter Beurze

Experience the first stock market transactions of Bruges, the financial capital, at the Historium.

House Ter Beurze was the very first stock exchange building in the world. The house belonged to the Van der Beurse family, who ran an inn where mainly Italian merchants stayed. In the 15th century, the inn evolved into a bustling meeting place for the trade in bills of exchange. Thus, the word “beurs” (stock exchange), as we still know it today, originated from the name of both the family and the inn. Amsterdam and London later adopted the concept that had originated in Bruges. Bruges was the first financial capital of Northwest Europe, the “Wall Street” of the Middle Ages. In this room at the Historium, you can follow the first stock market transactions up close.

The Bruges quays

The most important import product was English wool, which was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth.

Bruges owed its prosperity in part to its strategic location: the city was situated halfway between Northern and Southern Europe, making it a true commercial hub. Bruges served as a hub for imports and exports during the Middle Ages. The most important import was English wool. This was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth, which was then exported. In this first themed room, you find yourself amidst the activities of Bruges’ medieval world port. The city itself had access to the sea via the Zwin, a channel that emptied into the North Sea and along which Damme and Sluis were located, two important transshipment ports for Bruges. The ships that arrived in Bruges with merchandise were flat-bottomed vessels. The port of Bruges was accessible only to keel-less ships.

The Hanseatic League (an alliance of merchants and cities during the Middle Ages) imported mainly raw materials and commodities from the North: furs from Russia and Eastern Europe, oak from Poland, cloth from England, spices from Portugal, and precious metals from southern Germany, which were used to produce refined metalwork in Bruges. Grain and wine also came from Germany. From the South, the Italians traded fine fabrics and alum to fix the color of cloth, as well as gemstones, pigments, ivory, oil, and gold from the East and North Africa. Leather, spices, pigments, and all kinds of metals came from the Iberian Peninsula.

Jan van Eyck Studio

The Bruges art of the Flemish Primitives was highly sought after

In Jan van Eyck's studio, you can observe the creation of his world-famous painting 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. Bruges was renowned for its production of luxury textiles and garments. However, Bruges art was also highly sought after: goldsmithing, manuscripts, miniatures, and, of course, the panels of the Flemish Primitives, such as Hans Memling and Jan van Eyck.

Jan van Eyck was commissioned by Canon Joris van der Paele to paint the 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. The canon had strong ties to Rome and was an erudite man. In the painting, Jesus is depicted with a rose-ringed parakeet. This bird symbolizes the human soul and reflects the canon's wealthy background. For the creation of the painting, Jan van Eyck used oil paint and Venetian turpentine or larch turpentine.

The Old Toll House

The levies were a significant source of income for the city and ensured prosperity.

Here you stand in the midst of everyday street life in Bruges in the year 1435, at the tollhouse. Every product that entered or left Bruges passed through a tollhouse where payment was required. The proceeds went indirectly to the sovereign. In 1435, this was the Duke of Burgundy. Furthermore, excise duties were levied on consumer goods, which were allocated to the city of Bruges. Payment was also required for every transaction and every transfer: for the unloading of goods by the 'pijnders' (porters), and for the use of the crane. All these levies increased the price that the buyer ultimately paid for their wares. However, they were also a vital source of income for the city and the state, ensuring prosperity.

Jan van Eyck Studio

The Bruges art of the Flemish Primitives was highly sought after

In Jan van Eyck's studio, you can observe the creation of his world-famous painting 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. Bruges was renowned for its production of luxury textiles and garments. However, Bruges art was also highly sought after: goldsmithing, manuscripts, miniatures, and, of course, the panels of the Flemish Primitives, such as Hans Memling and Jan van Eyck.

Jan van Eyck was commissioned by Canon Joris van der Paele to paint the 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. The canon had strong ties to Rome and was an erudite man. In the painting, Jesus is depicted with a rose-ringed parakeet. This bird symbolizes the human soul and reflects the canon's wealthy background. For the creation of the painting, Jan van Eyck used oil paint and Venetian turpentine or larch turpentine.

The Old Toll House

The levies were a significant source of income for the city and ensured prosperity.

Here you stand in the midst of everyday street life in Bruges in the year 1435, at the tollhouse. Every product that entered or left Bruges passed through a tollhouse where payment was required. The proceeds went indirectly to the sovereign. In 1435, this was the Duke of Burgundy. Furthermore, excise duties were levied on consumer goods, which were allocated to the city of Bruges. Payment was also required for every transaction and every transfer: for the unloading of goods by the 'pijnders' (porters), and for the use of the crane. All these levies increased the price that the buyer ultimately paid for their wares. However, they were also a vital source of income for the city and the state, ensuring prosperity.

Dark streets

Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

In the Middle Ages, a street looked very different than it does today. Many houses in Bruges were still partially made of wood. Only the main streets were paved with cobblestones. In small streets, the ground consisted of packed earth. There were no sidewalks. Drainage mainly flowed toward the canals (Reien). Here and there, water basins or fountains provided the city with water. They were connected to a network of lead pipes that supplied water from the reservoir. Besides the water basins and fountains, only palaces and certain houses were connected to the water main or 'moerbuis'. Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

The Guilds

Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the Paternoster makers

From a square, you can observe how business was conducted in the trading houses. In the Middle Ages, many merchants and artisans were members of a guild. The guild was a regulatory body that governed the work of its members, set quality standards, and determined the quantity each member was allowed to produce. This ensured that only the finest products reached the market, maintaining high and uniform quality. Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the paternoster makers. Products were also frequently sold in only one specific location.

The Bathhouse

In the Middle Ages, there were various types of bathhouses: women’s bathhouses, men’s bathhouses, ‘potstoven’ (private baths), and mixed bathhouses.

In the Middle Ages, bathhouses were places to gather, wash, and meet ladies. Although bathhouses were common throughout Europe, they were actually illegal. As long as the owners of the Bruges bathhouses paid their taxes, they were allowed to operate their establishments unhindered. This encouraged people to
conduct trade in Bruges. The setting of the bathhouse in the Historium is based on the many Flemish men's bathhouses, miniatures of bathhouses from manuscripts of 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses.

'Facta et dicta memorabilia' by Valerius Maximus and other manuscripts with decorations depicting private bathing scenes. These sources also show that there were different types of bathhouses in the Middle Ages: women's bathhouses, men's bathhouses, 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses. In the bathhouses, Brussels sage was often used for washing. Sage was used at the time as a kind of miracle cure that refreshed the body.

Ter Beurze

Experience the first stock market transactions of Bruges, the financial capital, at the Historium.

House Ter Beurze was the very first stock exchange building in the world. The house belonged to the Van der Beurse family, who ran an inn where mainly Italian merchants stayed. In the 15th century, the inn evolved into a bustling meeting place for the trade in bills of exchange. Thus, the word “beurs” (stock exchange), as we still know it today, originated from the name of both the family and the inn. Amsterdam and London later adopted the concept that had originated in Bruges. Bruges was the first financial capital of Northwest Europe, the “Wall Street” of the Middle Ages. In this room at the Historium, you can follow the first stock market transactions up close.

The Bruges quays

The most important import product was English wool, which was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth.

Bruges owed its prosperity in part to its strategic location: the city was situated halfway between Northern and Southern Europe, making it a true commercial hub. Bruges served as a hub for imports and exports during the Middle Ages. The most important import was English wool. This was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth, which was then exported. In this first themed room, you find yourself amidst the activities of Bruges’ medieval world port. The city itself had access to the sea via the Zwin, a channel that emptied into the North Sea and along which Damme and Sluis were located, two important transshipment ports for Bruges. The ships that arrived in Bruges with merchandise were flat-bottomed vessels. The port of Bruges was accessible only to keel-less ships.

The Hanseatic League (an alliance of merchants and cities during the Middle Ages) imported mainly raw materials and commodities from the North: furs from Russia and Eastern Europe, oak from Poland, cloth from England, spices from Portugal, and precious metals from southern Germany, which were used to produce refined metalwork in Bruges. Grain and wine also came from Germany. From the South, the Italians traded fine fabrics and alum to fix the color of cloth, as well as gemstones, pigments, ivory, oil, and gold from the East and North Africa. Leather, spices, pigments, and all kinds of metals came from the Iberian Peninsula.

The Guilds

Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the Paternoster makers

From a square, you can observe how business was conducted in the trading houses. In the Middle Ages, many merchants and artisans were members of a guild. The guild was a regulatory body that governed the work of its members, set quality standards, and determined the quantity each member was allowed to produce. This ensured that only the finest products reached the market, maintaining high and uniform quality. Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the paternoster makers. Products were also frequently sold in only one specific location.

The Bathhouse

In the Middle Ages, there were various types of bathhouses: women’s bathhouses, men’s bathhouses, ‘potstoven’ (private baths), and mixed bathhouses.

In the Middle Ages, bathhouses were places to gather, wash, and meet ladies. Although bathhouses were common throughout Europe, they were actually illegal. As long as the owners of the Bruges bathhouses paid their taxes, they were allowed to operate their establishments unhindered. This encouraged people to
conduct trade in Bruges. The setting of the bathhouse in the Historium is based on the many Flemish men's bathhouses, miniatures of bathhouses from manuscripts of 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses.

'Facta et dicta memorabilia' by Valerius Maximus and other manuscripts with decorations depicting private bathing scenes. These sources also show that there were different types of bathhouses in the Middle Ages: women's bathhouses, men's bathhouses, 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses. In the bathhouses, Brussels sage was often used for washing. Sage was used at the time as a kind of miracle cure that refreshed the body.

Ter Beurze

Experience the first stock market transactions of Bruges, the financial capital, at the Historium.

House Ter Beurze was the very first stock exchange building in the world. The house belonged to the Van der Beurse family, who ran an inn where mainly Italian merchants stayed. In the 15th century, the inn evolved into a bustling meeting place for the trade in bills of exchange. Thus, the word “beurs” (stock exchange), as we still know it today, originated from the name of both the family and the inn. Amsterdam and London later adopted the concept that had originated in Bruges. Bruges was the first financial capital of Northwest Europe, the “Wall Street” of the Middle Ages. In this room at the Historium, you can follow the first stock market transactions up close.

The Bruges quays

The most important import product was English wool, which was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth.

Bruges owed its prosperity in part to its strategic location: the city was situated halfway between Northern and Southern Europe, making it a true commercial hub. Bruges served as a hub for imports and exports during the Middle Ages. The most important import was English wool. This was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth, which was then exported. In this first themed room, you find yourself amidst the activities of Bruges’ medieval world port. The city itself had access to the sea via the Zwin, a channel that emptied into the North Sea and along which Damme and Sluis were located, two important transshipment ports for Bruges. The ships that arrived in Bruges with merchandise were flat-bottomed vessels. The port of Bruges was accessible only to keel-less ships.

The Hanseatic League (an alliance of merchants and cities during the Middle Ages) imported mainly raw materials and commodities from the North: furs from Russia and Eastern Europe, oak from Poland, cloth from England, spices from Portugal, and precious metals from southern Germany, which were used to produce refined metalwork in Bruges. Grain and wine also came from Germany. From the South, the Italians traded fine fabrics and alum to fix the color of cloth, as well as gemstones, pigments, ivory, oil, and gold from the East and North Africa. Leather, spices, pigments, and all kinds of metals came from the Iberian Peninsula.

Jan van Eyck Studio

The Bruges art of the Flemish Primitives was highly sought after

In Jan van Eyck's studio, you can observe the creation of his world-famous painting 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. Bruges was renowned for its production of luxury textiles and garments. However, Bruges art was also highly sought after: goldsmithing, manuscripts, miniatures, and, of course, the panels of the Flemish Primitives, such as Hans Memling and Jan van Eyck.

Jan van Eyck was commissioned by Canon Joris van der Paele to paint the 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. The canon had strong ties to Rome and was an erudite man. In the painting, Jesus is depicted with a rose-ringed parakeet. This bird symbolizes the human soul and reflects the canon's wealthy background. For the creation of the painting, Jan van Eyck used oil paint and Venetian turpentine or larch turpentine.

The Old Toll House

The levies were a significant source of income for the city and ensured prosperity.

Here you stand in the midst of everyday street life in Bruges in the year 1435, at the tollhouse. Every product that entered or left Bruges passed through a tollhouse where payment was required. The proceeds went indirectly to the sovereign. In 1435, this was the Duke of Burgundy. Furthermore, excise duties were levied on consumer goods, which were allocated to the city of Bruges. Payment was also required for every transaction and every transfer: for the unloading of goods by the 'pijnders' (porters), and for the use of the crane. All these levies increased the price that the buyer ultimately paid for their wares. However, they were also a vital source of income for the city and the state, ensuring prosperity.

Dark streets

Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

In the Middle Ages, a street looked very different than it does today. Many houses in Bruges were still partially made of wood. Only the main streets were paved with cobblestones. In small streets, the ground consisted of packed earth. There were no sidewalks. Drainage mainly flowed toward the canals (Reien). Here and there, water basins or fountains provided the city with water. They were connected to a network of lead pipes that supplied water from the reservoir. Besides the water basins and fountains, only palaces and certain houses were connected to the water main or 'moerbuis'. Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

The Bathhouse

In the Middle Ages, there were various types of bathhouses: women’s bathhouses, men’s bathhouses, ‘potstoven’ (private baths), and mixed bathhouses.

In the Middle Ages, bathhouses were places to gather, wash, and meet ladies. Although bathhouses were common throughout Europe, they were actually illegal. As long as the owners of the Bruges bathhouses paid their taxes, they were allowed to operate their establishments unhindered. This encouraged people to
conduct trade in Bruges. The setting of the bathhouse in the Historium is based on the many Flemish men's bathhouses, miniatures of bathhouses from manuscripts of 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses.

'Facta et dicta memorabilia' by Valerius Maximus and other manuscripts with decorations depicting private bathing scenes. These sources also show that there were different types of bathhouses in the Middle Ages: women's bathhouses, men's bathhouses, 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses. In the bathhouses, Brussels sage was often used for washing. Sage was used at the time as a kind of miracle cure that refreshed the body.

Ter Beurze

Experience the first stock market transactions of Bruges, the financial capital, at the Historium.

House Ter Beurze was the very first stock exchange building in the world. The house belonged to the Van der Beurse family, who ran an inn where mainly Italian merchants stayed. In the 15th century, the inn evolved into a bustling meeting place for the trade in bills of exchange. Thus, the word “beurs” (stock exchange), as we still know it today, originated from the name of both the family and the inn. Amsterdam and London later adopted the concept that had originated in Bruges. Bruges was the first financial capital of Northwest Europe, the “Wall Street” of the Middle Ages. In this room at the Historium, you can follow the first stock market transactions up close.

The Bruges quays

The most important import product was English wool, which was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth.

Bruges owed its prosperity in part to its strategic location: the city was situated halfway between Northern and Southern Europe, making it a true commercial hub. Bruges served as a hub for imports and exports during the Middle Ages. The most important import was English wool. This was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth, which was then exported. In this first themed room, you find yourself amidst the activities of Bruges’ medieval world port. The city itself had access to the sea via the Zwin, a channel that emptied into the North Sea and along which Damme and Sluis were located, two important transshipment ports for Bruges. The ships that arrived in Bruges with merchandise were flat-bottomed vessels. The port of Bruges was accessible only to keel-less ships.

The Hanseatic League (an alliance of merchants and cities during the Middle Ages) imported mainly raw materials and commodities from the North: furs from Russia and Eastern Europe, oak from Poland, cloth from England, spices from Portugal, and precious metals from southern Germany, which were used to produce refined metalwork in Bruges. Grain and wine also came from Germany. From the South, the Italians traded fine fabrics and alum to fix the color of cloth, as well as gemstones, pigments, ivory, oil, and gold from the East and North Africa. Leather, spices, pigments, and all kinds of metals came from the Iberian Peninsula.

Jan van Eyck Studio

The Bruges art of the Flemish Primitives was highly sought after

In Jan van Eyck's studio, you can observe the creation of his world-famous painting 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. Bruges was renowned for its production of luxury textiles and garments. However, Bruges art was also highly sought after: goldsmithing, manuscripts, miniatures, and, of course, the panels of the Flemish Primitives, such as Hans Memling and Jan van Eyck.

Jan van Eyck was commissioned by Canon Joris van der Paele to paint the 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. The canon had strong ties to Rome and was an erudite man. In the painting, Jesus is depicted with a rose-ringed parakeet. This bird symbolizes the human soul and reflects the canon's wealthy background. For the creation of the painting, Jan van Eyck used oil paint and Venetian turpentine or larch turpentine.

The Old Toll House

The levies were a significant source of income for the city and ensured prosperity.

Here you stand in the midst of everyday street life in Bruges in the year 1435, at the tollhouse. Every product that entered or left Bruges passed through a tollhouse where payment was required. The proceeds went indirectly to the sovereign. In 1435, this was the Duke of Burgundy. Furthermore, excise duties were levied on consumer goods, which were allocated to the city of Bruges. Payment was also required for every transaction and every transfer: for the unloading of goods by the 'pijnders' (porters), and for the use of the crane. All these levies increased the price that the buyer ultimately paid for their wares. However, they were also a vital source of income for the city and the state, ensuring prosperity.

Dark streets

Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

In the Middle Ages, a street looked very different than it does today. Many houses in Bruges were still partially made of wood. Only the main streets were paved with cobblestones. In small streets, the ground consisted of packed earth. There were no sidewalks. Drainage mainly flowed toward the canals (Reien). Here and there, water basins or fountains provided the city with water. They were connected to a network of lead pipes that supplied water from the reservoir. Besides the water basins and fountains, only palaces and certain houses were connected to the water main or 'moerbuis'. Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

The Guilds

Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the Paternoster makers

From a square, you can observe how business was conducted in the trading houses. In the Middle Ages, many merchants and artisans were members of a guild. The guild was a regulatory body that governed the work of its members, set quality standards, and determined the quantity each member was allowed to produce. This ensured that only the finest products reached the market, maintaining high and uniform quality. Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the paternoster makers. Products were also frequently sold in only one specific location.

The Old Toll House

The levies were a significant source of income for the city and ensured prosperity.

Here you stand in the midst of everyday street life in Bruges in the year 1435, at the tollhouse. Every product that entered or left Bruges passed through a tollhouse where payment was required. The proceeds went indirectly to the sovereign. In 1435, this was the Duke of Burgundy. Furthermore, excise duties were levied on consumer goods, which were allocated to the city of Bruges. Payment was also required for every transaction and every transfer: for the unloading of goods by the 'pijnders' (porters), and for the use of the crane. All these levies increased the price that the buyer ultimately paid for their wares. However, they were also a vital source of income for the city and the state, ensuring prosperity.

Dark streets

Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

In the Middle Ages, a street looked very different than it does today. Many houses in Bruges were still partially made of wood. Only the main streets were paved with cobblestones. In small streets, the ground consisted of packed earth. There were no sidewalks. Drainage mainly flowed toward the canals (Reien). Here and there, water basins or fountains provided the city with water. They were connected to a network of lead pipes that supplied water from the reservoir. Besides the water basins and fountains, only palaces and certain houses were connected to the water main or 'moerbuis'. Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

The Guilds

Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the Paternoster makers

From a square, you can observe how business was conducted in the trading houses. In the Middle Ages, many merchants and artisans were members of a guild. The guild was a regulatory body that governed the work of its members, set quality standards, and determined the quantity each member was allowed to produce. This ensured that only the finest products reached the market, maintaining high and uniform quality. Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the paternoster makers. Products were also frequently sold in only one specific location.

The Bathhouse

In the Middle Ages, there were various types of bathhouses: women’s bathhouses, men’s bathhouses, ‘potstoven’ (private baths), and mixed bathhouses.

In the Middle Ages, bathhouses were places to gather, wash, and meet ladies. Although bathhouses were common throughout Europe, they were actually illegal. As long as the owners of the Bruges bathhouses paid their taxes, they were allowed to operate their establishments unhindered. This encouraged people to
conduct trade in Bruges. The setting of the bathhouse in the Historium is based on the many Flemish men's bathhouses, miniatures of bathhouses from manuscripts of 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses.

'Facta et dicta memorabilia' by Valerius Maximus and other manuscripts with decorations depicting private bathing scenes. These sources also show that there were different types of bathhouses in the Middle Ages: women's bathhouses, men's bathhouses, 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses. In the bathhouses, Brussels sage was often used for washing. Sage was used at the time as a kind of miracle cure that refreshed the body.

Ter Beurze

Experience the first stock market transactions of Bruges, the financial capital, at the Historium.

House Ter Beurze was the very first stock exchange building in the world. The house belonged to the Van der Beurse family, who ran an inn where mainly Italian merchants stayed. In the 15th century, the inn evolved into a bustling meeting place for the trade in bills of exchange. Thus, the word “beurs” (stock exchange), as we still know it today, originated from the name of both the family and the inn. Amsterdam and London later adopted the concept that had originated in Bruges. Bruges was the first financial capital of Northwest Europe, the “Wall Street” of the Middle Ages. In this room at the Historium, you can follow the first stock market transactions up close.

The Bruges quays

The most important import product was English wool, which was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth.

Bruges owed its prosperity in part to its strategic location: the city was situated halfway between Northern and Southern Europe, making it a true commercial hub. Bruges served as a hub for imports and exports during the Middle Ages. The most important import was English wool. This was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth, which was then exported. In this first themed room, you find yourself amidst the activities of Bruges’ medieval world port. The city itself had access to the sea via the Zwin, a channel that emptied into the North Sea and along which Damme and Sluis were located, two important transshipment ports for Bruges. The ships that arrived in Bruges with merchandise were flat-bottomed vessels. The port of Bruges was accessible only to keel-less ships.

The Hanseatic League (an alliance of merchants and cities during the Middle Ages) imported mainly raw materials and commodities from the North: furs from Russia and Eastern Europe, oak from Poland, cloth from England, spices from Portugal, and precious metals from southern Germany, which were used to produce refined metalwork in Bruges. Grain and wine also came from Germany. From the South, the Italians traded fine fabrics and alum to fix the color of cloth, as well as gemstones, pigments, ivory, oil, and gold from the East and North Africa. Leather, spices, pigments, and all kinds of metals came from the Iberian Peninsula.

Jan van Eyck Studio

The Bruges art of the Flemish Primitives was highly sought after

In Jan van Eyck's studio, you can observe the creation of his world-famous painting 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. Bruges was renowned for its production of luxury textiles and garments. However, Bruges art was also highly sought after: goldsmithing, manuscripts, miniatures, and, of course, the panels of the Flemish Primitives, such as Hans Memling and Jan van Eyck.

Jan van Eyck was commissioned by Canon Joris van der Paele to paint the 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. The canon had strong ties to Rome and was an erudite man. In the painting, Jesus is depicted with a rose-ringed parakeet. This bird symbolizes the human soul and reflects the canon's wealthy background. For the creation of the painting, Jan van Eyck used oil paint and Venetian turpentine or larch turpentine.

Ter Beurze

Experience the first stock market transactions of Bruges, the financial capital, at the Historium.

House Ter Beurze was the very first stock exchange building in the world. The house belonged to the Van der Beurse family, who ran an inn where mainly Italian merchants stayed. In the 15th century, the inn evolved into a bustling meeting place for the trade in bills of exchange. Thus, the word “beurs” (stock exchange), as we still know it today, originated from the name of both the family and the inn. Amsterdam and London later adopted the concept that had originated in Bruges. Bruges was the first financial capital of Northwest Europe, the “Wall Street” of the Middle Ages. In this room at the Historium, you can follow the first stock market transactions up close.

The Bruges quays

The most important import product was English wool, which was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth.

Bruges owed its prosperity in part to its strategic location: the city was situated halfway between Northern and Southern Europe, making it a true commercial hub. Bruges served as a hub for imports and exports during the Middle Ages. The most important import was English wool. This was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth, which was then exported. In this first themed room, you find yourself amidst the activities of Bruges’ medieval world port. The city itself had access to the sea via the Zwin, a channel that emptied into the North Sea and along which Damme and Sluis were located, two important transshipment ports for Bruges. The ships that arrived in Bruges with merchandise were flat-bottomed vessels. The port of Bruges was accessible only to keel-less ships.

The Hanseatic League (an alliance of merchants and cities during the Middle Ages) imported mainly raw materials and commodities from the North: furs from Russia and Eastern Europe, oak from Poland, cloth from England, spices from Portugal, and precious metals from southern Germany, which were used to produce refined metalwork in Bruges. Grain and wine also came from Germany. From the South, the Italians traded fine fabrics and alum to fix the color of cloth, as well as gemstones, pigments, ivory, oil, and gold from the East and North Africa. Leather, spices, pigments, and all kinds of metals came from the Iberian Peninsula.

Jan van Eyck Studio

The Bruges art of the Flemish Primitives was highly sought after

In Jan van Eyck's studio, you can observe the creation of his world-famous painting 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. Bruges was renowned for its production of luxury textiles and garments. However, Bruges art was also highly sought after: goldsmithing, manuscripts, miniatures, and, of course, the panels of the Flemish Primitives, such as Hans Memling and Jan van Eyck.

Jan van Eyck was commissioned by Canon Joris van der Paele to paint the 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. The canon had strong ties to Rome and was an erudite man. In the painting, Jesus is depicted with a rose-ringed parakeet. This bird symbolizes the human soul and reflects the canon's wealthy background. For the creation of the painting, Jan van Eyck used oil paint and Venetian turpentine or larch turpentine.

The Old Toll House

The levies were a significant source of income for the city and ensured prosperity.

Here you stand in the midst of everyday street life in Bruges in the year 1435, at the tollhouse. Every product that entered or left Bruges passed through a tollhouse where payment was required. The proceeds went indirectly to the sovereign. In 1435, this was the Duke of Burgundy. Furthermore, excise duties were levied on consumer goods, which were allocated to the city of Bruges. Payment was also required for every transaction and every transfer: for the unloading of goods by the 'pijnders' (porters), and for the use of the crane. All these levies increased the price that the buyer ultimately paid for their wares. However, they were also a vital source of income for the city and the state, ensuring prosperity.

Dark streets

Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

In the Middle Ages, a street looked very different than it does today. Many houses in Bruges were still partially made of wood. Only the main streets were paved with cobblestones. In small streets, the ground consisted of packed earth. There were no sidewalks. Drainage mainly flowed toward the canals (Reien). Here and there, water basins or fountains provided the city with water. They were connected to a network of lead pipes that supplied water from the reservoir. Besides the water basins and fountains, only palaces and certain houses were connected to the water main or 'moerbuis'. Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

The Guilds

Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the Paternoster makers

From a square, you can observe how business was conducted in the trading houses. In the Middle Ages, many merchants and artisans were members of a guild. The guild was a regulatory body that governed the work of its members, set quality standards, and determined the quantity each member was allowed to produce. This ensured that only the finest products reached the market, maintaining high and uniform quality. Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the paternoster makers. Products were also frequently sold in only one specific location.

The Bathhouse

In the Middle Ages, there were various types of bathhouses: women’s bathhouses, men’s bathhouses, ‘potstoven’ (private baths), and mixed bathhouses.

In the Middle Ages, bathhouses were places to gather, wash, and meet ladies. Although bathhouses were common throughout Europe, they were actually illegal. As long as the owners of the Bruges bathhouses paid their taxes, they were allowed to operate their establishments unhindered. This encouraged people to
conduct trade in Bruges. The setting of the bathhouse in the Historium is based on the many Flemish men's bathhouses, miniatures of bathhouses from manuscripts of 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses.

'Facta et dicta memorabilia' by Valerius Maximus and other manuscripts with decorations depicting private bathing scenes. These sources also show that there were different types of bathhouses in the Middle Ages: women's bathhouses, men's bathhouses, 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses. In the bathhouses, Brussels sage was often used for washing. Sage was used at the time as a kind of miracle cure that refreshed the body.

The Bruges quays

The most important import product was English wool, which was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth.

Bruges owed its prosperity in part to its strategic location: the city was situated halfway between Northern and Southern Europe, making it a true commercial hub. Bruges served as a hub for imports and exports during the Middle Ages. The most important import was English wool. This was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth, which was then exported. In this first themed room, you find yourself amidst the activities of Bruges’ medieval world port. The city itself had access to the sea via the Zwin, a channel that emptied into the North Sea and along which Damme and Sluis were located, two important transshipment ports for Bruges. The ships that arrived in Bruges with merchandise were flat-bottomed vessels. The port of Bruges was accessible only to keel-less ships.

The Hanseatic League (an alliance of merchants and cities during the Middle Ages) imported mainly raw materials and commodities from the North: furs from Russia and Eastern Europe, oak from Poland, cloth from England, spices from Portugal, and precious metals from southern Germany, which were used to produce refined metalwork in Bruges. Grain and wine also came from Germany. From the South, the Italians traded fine fabrics and alum to fix the color of cloth, as well as gemstones, pigments, ivory, oil, and gold from the East and North Africa. Leather, spices, pigments, and all kinds of metals came from the Iberian Peninsula.

Jan van Eyck Studio

The Bruges art of the Flemish Primitives was highly sought after

In Jan van Eyck's studio, you can observe the creation of his world-famous painting 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. Bruges was renowned for its production of luxury textiles and garments. However, Bruges art was also highly sought after: goldsmithing, manuscripts, miniatures, and, of course, the panels of the Flemish Primitives, such as Hans Memling and Jan van Eyck.

Jan van Eyck was commissioned by Canon Joris van der Paele to paint the 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. The canon had strong ties to Rome and was an erudite man. In the painting, Jesus is depicted with a rose-ringed parakeet. This bird symbolizes the human soul and reflects the canon's wealthy background. For the creation of the painting, Jan van Eyck used oil paint and Venetian turpentine or larch turpentine.

The Old Toll House

The levies were a significant source of income for the city and ensured prosperity.

Here you stand in the midst of everyday street life in Bruges in the year 1435, at the tollhouse. Every product that entered or left Bruges passed through a tollhouse where payment was required. The proceeds went indirectly to the sovereign. In 1435, this was the Duke of Burgundy. Furthermore, excise duties were levied on consumer goods, which were allocated to the city of Bruges. Payment was also required for every transaction and every transfer: for the unloading of goods by the 'pijnders' (porters), and for the use of the crane. All these levies increased the price that the buyer ultimately paid for their wares. However, they were also a vital source of income for the city and the state, ensuring prosperity.

Dark streets

Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

In the Middle Ages, a street looked very different than it does today. Many houses in Bruges were still partially made of wood. Only the main streets were paved with cobblestones. In small streets, the ground consisted of packed earth. There were no sidewalks. Drainage mainly flowed toward the canals (Reien). Here and there, water basins or fountains provided the city with water. They were connected to a network of lead pipes that supplied water from the reservoir. Besides the water basins and fountains, only palaces and certain houses were connected to the water main or 'moerbuis'. Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

The Guilds

Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the Paternoster makers

From a square, you can observe how business was conducted in the trading houses. In the Middle Ages, many merchants and artisans were members of a guild. The guild was a regulatory body that governed the work of its members, set quality standards, and determined the quantity each member was allowed to produce. This ensured that only the finest products reached the market, maintaining high and uniform quality. Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the paternoster makers. Products were also frequently sold in only one specific location.

The Bathhouse

In the Middle Ages, there were various types of bathhouses: women’s bathhouses, men’s bathhouses, ‘potstoven’ (private baths), and mixed bathhouses.

In the Middle Ages, bathhouses were places to gather, wash, and meet ladies. Although bathhouses were common throughout Europe, they were actually illegal. As long as the owners of the Bruges bathhouses paid their taxes, they were allowed to operate their establishments unhindered. This encouraged people to
conduct trade in Bruges. The setting of the bathhouse in the Historium is based on the many Flemish men's bathhouses, miniatures of bathhouses from manuscripts of 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses.

'Facta et dicta memorabilia' by Valerius Maximus and other manuscripts with decorations depicting private bathing scenes. These sources also show that there were different types of bathhouses in the Middle Ages: women's bathhouses, men's bathhouses, 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses. In the bathhouses, Brussels sage was often used for washing. Sage was used at the time as a kind of miracle cure that refreshed the body.

Ter Beurze

Experience the first stock market transactions of Bruges, the financial capital, at the Historium.

House Ter Beurze was the very first stock exchange building in the world. The house belonged to the Van der Beurse family, who ran an inn where mainly Italian merchants stayed. In the 15th century, the inn evolved into a bustling meeting place for the trade in bills of exchange. Thus, the word “beurs” (stock exchange), as we still know it today, originated from the name of both the family and the inn. Amsterdam and London later adopted the concept that had originated in Bruges. Bruges was the first financial capital of Northwest Europe, the “Wall Street” of the Middle Ages. In this room at the Historium, you can follow the first stock market transactions up close.

Dark streets

Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

In the Middle Ages, a street looked very different than it does today. Many houses in Bruges were still partially made of wood. Only the main streets were paved with cobblestones. In small streets, the ground consisted of packed earth. There were no sidewalks. Drainage mainly flowed toward the canals (Reien). Here and there, water basins or fountains provided the city with water. They were connected to a network of lead pipes that supplied water from the reservoir. Besides the water basins and fountains, only palaces and certain houses were connected to the water main or 'moerbuis'. Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

The Guilds

Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the Paternoster makers

From a square, you can observe how business was conducted in the trading houses. In the Middle Ages, many merchants and artisans were members of a guild. The guild was a regulatory body that governed the work of its members, set quality standards, and determined the quantity each member was allowed to produce. This ensured that only the finest products reached the market, maintaining high and uniform quality. Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the paternoster makers. Products were also frequently sold in only one specific location.

The Bathhouse

In the Middle Ages, there were various types of bathhouses: women’s bathhouses, men’s bathhouses, ‘potstoven’ (private baths), and mixed bathhouses.

In the Middle Ages, bathhouses were places to gather, wash, and meet ladies. Although bathhouses were common throughout Europe, they were actually illegal. As long as the owners of the Bruges bathhouses paid their taxes, they were allowed to operate their establishments unhindered. This encouraged people to
conduct trade in Bruges. The setting of the bathhouse in the Historium is based on the many Flemish men's bathhouses, miniatures of bathhouses from manuscripts of 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses.

'Facta et dicta memorabilia' by Valerius Maximus and other manuscripts with decorations depicting private bathing scenes. These sources also show that there were different types of bathhouses in the Middle Ages: women's bathhouses, men's bathhouses, 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses. In the bathhouses, Brussels sage was often used for washing. Sage was used at the time as a kind of miracle cure that refreshed the body.

Ter Beurze

Experience the first stock market transactions of Bruges, the financial capital, at the Historium.

House Ter Beurze was the very first stock exchange building in the world. The house belonged to the Van der Beurse family, who ran an inn where mainly Italian merchants stayed. In the 15th century, the inn evolved into a bustling meeting place for the trade in bills of exchange. Thus, the word “beurs” (stock exchange), as we still know it today, originated from the name of both the family and the inn. Amsterdam and London later adopted the concept that had originated in Bruges. Bruges was the first financial capital of Northwest Europe, the “Wall Street” of the Middle Ages. In this room at the Historium, you can follow the first stock market transactions up close.

The Bruges quays

The most important import product was English wool, which was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth.

Bruges owed its prosperity in part to its strategic location: the city was situated halfway between Northern and Southern Europe, making it a true commercial hub. Bruges served as a hub for imports and exports during the Middle Ages. The most important import was English wool. This was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth, which was then exported. In this first themed room, you find yourself amidst the activities of Bruges’ medieval world port. The city itself had access to the sea via the Zwin, a channel that emptied into the North Sea and along which Damme and Sluis were located, two important transshipment ports for Bruges. The ships that arrived in Bruges with merchandise were flat-bottomed vessels. The port of Bruges was accessible only to keel-less ships.

The Hanseatic League (an alliance of merchants and cities during the Middle Ages) imported mainly raw materials and commodities from the North: furs from Russia and Eastern Europe, oak from Poland, cloth from England, spices from Portugal, and precious metals from southern Germany, which were used to produce refined metalwork in Bruges. Grain and wine also came from Germany. From the South, the Italians traded fine fabrics and alum to fix the color of cloth, as well as gemstones, pigments, ivory, oil, and gold from the East and North Africa. Leather, spices, pigments, and all kinds of metals came from the Iberian Peninsula.

Jan van Eyck Studio

The Bruges art of the Flemish Primitives was highly sought after

In Jan van Eyck's studio, you can observe the creation of his world-famous painting 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. Bruges was renowned for its production of luxury textiles and garments. However, Bruges art was also highly sought after: goldsmithing, manuscripts, miniatures, and, of course, the panels of the Flemish Primitives, such as Hans Memling and Jan van Eyck.

Jan van Eyck was commissioned by Canon Joris van der Paele to paint the 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. The canon had strong ties to Rome and was an erudite man. In the painting, Jesus is depicted with a rose-ringed parakeet. This bird symbolizes the human soul and reflects the canon's wealthy background. For the creation of the painting, Jan van Eyck used oil paint and Venetian turpentine or larch turpentine.

The Old Toll House

The levies were a significant source of income for the city and ensured prosperity.

Here you stand in the midst of everyday street life in Bruges in the year 1435, at the tollhouse. Every product that entered or left Bruges passed through a tollhouse where payment was required. The proceeds went indirectly to the sovereign. In 1435, this was the Duke of Burgundy. Furthermore, excise duties were levied on consumer goods, which were allocated to the city of Bruges. Payment was also required for every transaction and every transfer: for the unloading of goods by the 'pijnders' (porters), and for the use of the crane. All these levies increased the price that the buyer ultimately paid for their wares. However, they were also a vital source of income for the city and the state, ensuring prosperity.

Jan van Eyck Studio

The Bruges art of the Flemish Primitives was highly sought after

In Jan van Eyck's studio, you can observe the creation of his world-famous painting 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. Bruges was renowned for its production of luxury textiles and garments. However, Bruges art was also highly sought after: goldsmithing, manuscripts, miniatures, and, of course, the panels of the Flemish Primitives, such as Hans Memling and Jan van Eyck.

Jan van Eyck was commissioned by Canon Joris van der Paele to paint the 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. The canon had strong ties to Rome and was an erudite man. In the painting, Jesus is depicted with a rose-ringed parakeet. This bird symbolizes the human soul and reflects the canon's wealthy background. For the creation of the painting, Jan van Eyck used oil paint and Venetian turpentine or larch turpentine.

The Old Toll House

The levies were a significant source of income for the city and ensured prosperity.

Here you stand in the midst of everyday street life in Bruges in the year 1435, at the tollhouse. Every product that entered or left Bruges passed through a tollhouse where payment was required. The proceeds went indirectly to the sovereign. In 1435, this was the Duke of Burgundy. Furthermore, excise duties were levied on consumer goods, which were allocated to the city of Bruges. Payment was also required for every transaction and every transfer: for the unloading of goods by the 'pijnders' (porters), and for the use of the crane. All these levies increased the price that the buyer ultimately paid for their wares. However, they were also a vital source of income for the city and the state, ensuring prosperity.

Dark streets

Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

In the Middle Ages, a street looked very different than it does today. Many houses in Bruges were still partially made of wood. Only the main streets were paved with cobblestones. In small streets, the ground consisted of packed earth. There were no sidewalks. Drainage mainly flowed toward the canals (Reien). Here and there, water basins or fountains provided the city with water. They were connected to a network of lead pipes that supplied water from the reservoir. Besides the water basins and fountains, only palaces and certain houses were connected to the water main or 'moerbuis'. Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

The Guilds

Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the Paternoster makers

From a square, you can observe how business was conducted in the trading houses. In the Middle Ages, many merchants and artisans were members of a guild. The guild was a regulatory body that governed the work of its members, set quality standards, and determined the quantity each member was allowed to produce. This ensured that only the finest products reached the market, maintaining high and uniform quality. Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the paternoster makers. Products were also frequently sold in only one specific location.

The Bathhouse

In the Middle Ages, there were various types of bathhouses: women’s bathhouses, men’s bathhouses, ‘potstoven’ (private baths), and mixed bathhouses.

In the Middle Ages, bathhouses were places to gather, wash, and meet ladies. Although bathhouses were common throughout Europe, they were actually illegal. As long as the owners of the Bruges bathhouses paid their taxes, they were allowed to operate their establishments unhindered. This encouraged people to
conduct trade in Bruges. The setting of the bathhouse in the Historium is based on the many Flemish men's bathhouses, miniatures of bathhouses from manuscripts of 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses.

'Facta et dicta memorabilia' by Valerius Maximus and other manuscripts with decorations depicting private bathing scenes. These sources also show that there were different types of bathhouses in the Middle Ages: women's bathhouses, men's bathhouses, 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses. In the bathhouses, Brussels sage was often used for washing. Sage was used at the time as a kind of miracle cure that refreshed the body.

Ter Beurze

Experience the first stock market transactions of Bruges, the financial capital, at the Historium.

House Ter Beurze was the very first stock exchange building in the world. The house belonged to the Van der Beurse family, who ran an inn where mainly Italian merchants stayed. In the 15th century, the inn evolved into a bustling meeting place for the trade in bills of exchange. Thus, the word “beurs” (stock exchange), as we still know it today, originated from the name of both the family and the inn. Amsterdam and London later adopted the concept that had originated in Bruges. Bruges was the first financial capital of Northwest Europe, the “Wall Street” of the Middle Ages. In this room at the Historium, you can follow the first stock market transactions up close.

The Bruges quays

The most important import product was English wool, which was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth.

Bruges owed its prosperity in part to its strategic location: the city was situated halfway between Northern and Southern Europe, making it a true commercial hub. Bruges served as a hub for imports and exports during the Middle Ages. The most important import was English wool. This was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth, which was then exported. In this first themed room, you find yourself amidst the activities of Bruges’ medieval world port. The city itself had access to the sea via the Zwin, a channel that emptied into the North Sea and along which Damme and Sluis were located, two important transshipment ports for Bruges. The ships that arrived in Bruges with merchandise were flat-bottomed vessels. The port of Bruges was accessible only to keel-less ships.

The Hanseatic League (an alliance of merchants and cities during the Middle Ages) imported mainly raw materials and commodities from the North: furs from Russia and Eastern Europe, oak from Poland, cloth from England, spices from Portugal, and precious metals from southern Germany, which were used to produce refined metalwork in Bruges. Grain and wine also came from Germany. From the South, the Italians traded fine fabrics and alum to fix the color of cloth, as well as gemstones, pigments, ivory, oil, and gold from the East and North Africa. Leather, spices, pigments, and all kinds of metals came from the Iberian Peninsula.

The Guilds

Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the Paternoster makers

From a square, you can observe how business was conducted in the trading houses. In the Middle Ages, many merchants and artisans were members of a guild. The guild was a regulatory body that governed the work of its members, set quality standards, and determined the quantity each member was allowed to produce. This ensured that only the finest products reached the market, maintaining high and uniform quality. Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the paternoster makers. Products were also frequently sold in only one specific location.

The Bathhouse

In the Middle Ages, there were various types of bathhouses: women’s bathhouses, men’s bathhouses, ‘potstoven’ (private baths), and mixed bathhouses.

In the Middle Ages, bathhouses were places to gather, wash, and meet ladies. Although bathhouses were common throughout Europe, they were actually illegal. As long as the owners of the Bruges bathhouses paid their taxes, they were allowed to operate their establishments unhindered. This encouraged people to
conduct trade in Bruges. The setting of the bathhouse in the Historium is based on the many Flemish men's bathhouses, miniatures of bathhouses from manuscripts of 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses.

'Facta et dicta memorabilia' by Valerius Maximus and other manuscripts with decorations depicting private bathing scenes. These sources also show that there were different types of bathhouses in the Middle Ages: women's bathhouses, men's bathhouses, 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses. In the bathhouses, Brussels sage was often used for washing. Sage was used at the time as a kind of miracle cure that refreshed the body.

Ter Beurze

Experience the first stock market transactions of Bruges, the financial capital, at the Historium.

House Ter Beurze was the very first stock exchange building in the world. The house belonged to the Van der Beurse family, who ran an inn where mainly Italian merchants stayed. In the 15th century, the inn evolved into a bustling meeting place for the trade in bills of exchange. Thus, the word “beurs” (stock exchange), as we still know it today, originated from the name of both the family and the inn. Amsterdam and London later adopted the concept that had originated in Bruges. Bruges was the first financial capital of Northwest Europe, the “Wall Street” of the Middle Ages. In this room at the Historium, you can follow the first stock market transactions up close.

The Bruges quays

The most important import product was English wool, which was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth.

Bruges owed its prosperity in part to its strategic location: the city was situated halfway between Northern and Southern Europe, making it a true commercial hub. Bruges served as a hub for imports and exports during the Middle Ages. The most important import was English wool. This was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth, which was then exported. In this first themed room, you find yourself amidst the activities of Bruges’ medieval world port. The city itself had access to the sea via the Zwin, a channel that emptied into the North Sea and along which Damme and Sluis were located, two important transshipment ports for Bruges. The ships that arrived in Bruges with merchandise were flat-bottomed vessels. The port of Bruges was accessible only to keel-less ships.

The Hanseatic League (an alliance of merchants and cities during the Middle Ages) imported mainly raw materials and commodities from the North: furs from Russia and Eastern Europe, oak from Poland, cloth from England, spices from Portugal, and precious metals from southern Germany, which were used to produce refined metalwork in Bruges. Grain and wine also came from Germany. From the South, the Italians traded fine fabrics and alum to fix the color of cloth, as well as gemstones, pigments, ivory, oil, and gold from the East and North Africa. Leather, spices, pigments, and all kinds of metals came from the Iberian Peninsula.

Jan van Eyck Studio

The Bruges art of the Flemish Primitives was highly sought after

In Jan van Eyck's studio, you can observe the creation of his world-famous painting 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. Bruges was renowned for its production of luxury textiles and garments. However, Bruges art was also highly sought after: goldsmithing, manuscripts, miniatures, and, of course, the panels of the Flemish Primitives, such as Hans Memling and Jan van Eyck.

Jan van Eyck was commissioned by Canon Joris van der Paele to paint the 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. The canon had strong ties to Rome and was an erudite man. In the painting, Jesus is depicted with a rose-ringed parakeet. This bird symbolizes the human soul and reflects the canon's wealthy background. For the creation of the painting, Jan van Eyck used oil paint and Venetian turpentine or larch turpentine.

The Old Toll House

The levies were a significant source of income for the city and ensured prosperity.

Here you stand in the midst of everyday street life in Bruges in the year 1435, at the tollhouse. Every product that entered or left Bruges passed through a tollhouse where payment was required. The proceeds went indirectly to the sovereign. In 1435, this was the Duke of Burgundy. Furthermore, excise duties were levied on consumer goods, which were allocated to the city of Bruges. Payment was also required for every transaction and every transfer: for the unloading of goods by the 'pijnders' (porters), and for the use of the crane. All these levies increased the price that the buyer ultimately paid for their wares. However, they were also a vital source of income for the city and the state, ensuring prosperity.

Dark streets

Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

In the Middle Ages, a street looked very different than it does today. Many houses in Bruges were still partially made of wood. Only the main streets were paved with cobblestones. In small streets, the ground consisted of packed earth. There were no sidewalks. Drainage mainly flowed toward the canals (Reien). Here and there, water basins or fountains provided the city with water. They were connected to a network of lead pipes that supplied water from the reservoir. Besides the water basins and fountains, only palaces and certain houses were connected to the water main or 'moerbuis'. Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

The Bathhouse

In the Middle Ages, there were various types of bathhouses: women’s bathhouses, men’s bathhouses, ‘potstoven’ (private baths), and mixed bathhouses.

In the Middle Ages, bathhouses were places to gather, wash, and meet ladies. Although bathhouses were common throughout Europe, they were actually illegal. As long as the owners of the Bruges bathhouses paid their taxes, they were allowed to operate their establishments unhindered. This encouraged people to
conduct trade in Bruges. The setting of the bathhouse in the Historium is based on the many Flemish men's bathhouses, miniatures of bathhouses from manuscripts of 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses.

'Facta et dicta memorabilia' by Valerius Maximus and other manuscripts with decorations depicting private bathing scenes. These sources also show that there were different types of bathhouses in the Middle Ages: women's bathhouses, men's bathhouses, 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses. In the bathhouses, Brussels sage was often used for washing. Sage was used at the time as a kind of miracle cure that refreshed the body.

Ter Beurze

Experience the first stock market transactions of Bruges, the financial capital, at the Historium.

House Ter Beurze was the very first stock exchange building in the world. The house belonged to the Van der Beurse family, who ran an inn where mainly Italian merchants stayed. In the 15th century, the inn evolved into a bustling meeting place for the trade in bills of exchange. Thus, the word “beurs” (stock exchange), as we still know it today, originated from the name of both the family and the inn. Amsterdam and London later adopted the concept that had originated in Bruges. Bruges was the first financial capital of Northwest Europe, the “Wall Street” of the Middle Ages. In this room at the Historium, you can follow the first stock market transactions up close.

The Bruges quays

The most important import product was English wool, which was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth.

Bruges owed its prosperity in part to its strategic location: the city was situated halfway between Northern and Southern Europe, making it a true commercial hub. Bruges served as a hub for imports and exports during the Middle Ages. The most important import was English wool. This was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth, which was then exported. In this first themed room, you find yourself amidst the activities of Bruges’ medieval world port. The city itself had access to the sea via the Zwin, a channel that emptied into the North Sea and along which Damme and Sluis were located, two important transshipment ports for Bruges. The ships that arrived in Bruges with merchandise were flat-bottomed vessels. The port of Bruges was accessible only to keel-less ships.

The Hanseatic League (an alliance of merchants and cities during the Middle Ages) imported mainly raw materials and commodities from the North: furs from Russia and Eastern Europe, oak from Poland, cloth from England, spices from Portugal, and precious metals from southern Germany, which were used to produce refined metalwork in Bruges. Grain and wine also came from Germany. From the South, the Italians traded fine fabrics and alum to fix the color of cloth, as well as gemstones, pigments, ivory, oil, and gold from the East and North Africa. Leather, spices, pigments, and all kinds of metals came from the Iberian Peninsula.

Jan van Eyck Studio

The Bruges art of the Flemish Primitives was highly sought after

In Jan van Eyck's studio, you can observe the creation of his world-famous painting 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. Bruges was renowned for its production of luxury textiles and garments. However, Bruges art was also highly sought after: goldsmithing, manuscripts, miniatures, and, of course, the panels of the Flemish Primitives, such as Hans Memling and Jan van Eyck.

Jan van Eyck was commissioned by Canon Joris van der Paele to paint the 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. The canon had strong ties to Rome and was an erudite man. In the painting, Jesus is depicted with a rose-ringed parakeet. This bird symbolizes the human soul and reflects the canon's wealthy background. For the creation of the painting, Jan van Eyck used oil paint and Venetian turpentine or larch turpentine.

The Old Toll House

The levies were a significant source of income for the city and ensured prosperity.

Here you stand in the midst of everyday street life in Bruges in the year 1435, at the tollhouse. Every product that entered or left Bruges passed through a tollhouse where payment was required. The proceeds went indirectly to the sovereign. In 1435, this was the Duke of Burgundy. Furthermore, excise duties were levied on consumer goods, which were allocated to the city of Bruges. Payment was also required for every transaction and every transfer: for the unloading of goods by the 'pijnders' (porters), and for the use of the crane. All these levies increased the price that the buyer ultimately paid for their wares. However, they were also a vital source of income for the city and the state, ensuring prosperity.

Dark streets

Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

In the Middle Ages, a street looked very different than it does today. Many houses in Bruges were still partially made of wood. Only the main streets were paved with cobblestones. In small streets, the ground consisted of packed earth. There were no sidewalks. Drainage mainly flowed toward the canals (Reien). Here and there, water basins or fountains provided the city with water. They were connected to a network of lead pipes that supplied water from the reservoir. Besides the water basins and fountains, only palaces and certain houses were connected to the water main or 'moerbuis'. Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

The Guilds

Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the Paternoster makers

From a square, you can observe how business was conducted in the trading houses. In the Middle Ages, many merchants and artisans were members of a guild. The guild was a regulatory body that governed the work of its members, set quality standards, and determined the quantity each member was allowed to produce. This ensured that only the finest products reached the market, maintaining high and uniform quality. Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the paternoster makers. Products were also frequently sold in only one specific location.

The Old Toll House

The levies were a significant source of income for the city and ensured prosperity.

Here you stand in the midst of everyday street life in Bruges in the year 1435, at the tollhouse. Every product that entered or left Bruges passed through a tollhouse where payment was required. The proceeds went indirectly to the sovereign. In 1435, this was the Duke of Burgundy. Furthermore, excise duties were levied on consumer goods, which were allocated to the city of Bruges. Payment was also required for every transaction and every transfer: for the unloading of goods by the 'pijnders' (porters), and for the use of the crane. All these levies increased the price that the buyer ultimately paid for their wares. However, they were also a vital source of income for the city and the state, ensuring prosperity.

Dark streets

Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

In the Middle Ages, a street looked very different than it does today. Many houses in Bruges were still partially made of wood. Only the main streets were paved with cobblestones. In small streets, the ground consisted of packed earth. There were no sidewalks. Drainage mainly flowed toward the canals (Reien). Here and there, water basins or fountains provided the city with water. They were connected to a network of lead pipes that supplied water from the reservoir. Besides the water basins and fountains, only palaces and certain houses were connected to the water main or 'moerbuis'. Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

The Guilds

Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the Paternoster makers

From a square, you can observe how business was conducted in the trading houses. In the Middle Ages, many merchants and artisans were members of a guild. The guild was a regulatory body that governed the work of its members, set quality standards, and determined the quantity each member was allowed to produce. This ensured that only the finest products reached the market, maintaining high and uniform quality. Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the paternoster makers. Products were also frequently sold in only one specific location.

The Bathhouse

In the Middle Ages, there were various types of bathhouses: women’s bathhouses, men’s bathhouses, ‘potstoven’ (private baths), and mixed bathhouses.

In the Middle Ages, bathhouses were places to gather, wash, and meet ladies. Although bathhouses were common throughout Europe, they were actually illegal. As long as the owners of the Bruges bathhouses paid their taxes, they were allowed to operate their establishments unhindered. This encouraged people to
conduct trade in Bruges. The setting of the bathhouse in the Historium is based on the many Flemish men's bathhouses, miniatures of bathhouses from manuscripts of 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses.

'Facta et dicta memorabilia' by Valerius Maximus and other manuscripts with decorations depicting private bathing scenes. These sources also show that there were different types of bathhouses in the Middle Ages: women's bathhouses, men's bathhouses, 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses. In the bathhouses, Brussels sage was often used for washing. Sage was used at the time as a kind of miracle cure that refreshed the body.

Ter Beurze

Experience the first stock market transactions of Bruges, the financial capital, at the Historium.

House Ter Beurze was the very first stock exchange building in the world. The house belonged to the Van der Beurse family, who ran an inn where mainly Italian merchants stayed. In the 15th century, the inn evolved into a bustling meeting place for the trade in bills of exchange. Thus, the word “beurs” (stock exchange), as we still know it today, originated from the name of both the family and the inn. Amsterdam and London later adopted the concept that had originated in Bruges. Bruges was the first financial capital of Northwest Europe, the “Wall Street” of the Middle Ages. In this room at the Historium, you can follow the first stock market transactions up close.

The Bruges quays

The most important import product was English wool, which was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth.

Bruges owed its prosperity in part to its strategic location: the city was situated halfway between Northern and Southern Europe, making it a true commercial hub. Bruges served as a hub for imports and exports during the Middle Ages. The most important import was English wool. This was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth, which was then exported. In this first themed room, you find yourself amidst the activities of Bruges’ medieval world port. The city itself had access to the sea via the Zwin, a channel that emptied into the North Sea and along which Damme and Sluis were located, two important transshipment ports for Bruges. The ships that arrived in Bruges with merchandise were flat-bottomed vessels. The port of Bruges was accessible only to keel-less ships.

The Hanseatic League (an alliance of merchants and cities during the Middle Ages) imported mainly raw materials and commodities from the North: furs from Russia and Eastern Europe, oak from Poland, cloth from England, spices from Portugal, and precious metals from southern Germany, which were used to produce refined metalwork in Bruges. Grain and wine also came from Germany. From the South, the Italians traded fine fabrics and alum to fix the color of cloth, as well as gemstones, pigments, ivory, oil, and gold from the East and North Africa. Leather, spices, pigments, and all kinds of metals came from the Iberian Peninsula.

Jan van Eyck Studio

The Bruges art of the Flemish Primitives was highly sought after

In Jan van Eyck's studio, you can observe the creation of his world-famous painting 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. Bruges was renowned for its production of luxury textiles and garments. However, Bruges art was also highly sought after: goldsmithing, manuscripts, miniatures, and, of course, the panels of the Flemish Primitives, such as Hans Memling and Jan van Eyck.

Jan van Eyck was commissioned by Canon Joris van der Paele to paint the 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. The canon had strong ties to Rome and was an erudite man. In the painting, Jesus is depicted with a rose-ringed parakeet. This bird symbolizes the human soul and reflects the canon's wealthy background. For the creation of the painting, Jan van Eyck used oil paint and Venetian turpentine or larch turpentine.

Ter Beurze

Experience the first stock market transactions of Bruges, the financial capital, at the Historium.

House Ter Beurze was the very first stock exchange building in the world. The house belonged to the Van der Beurse family, who ran an inn where mainly Italian merchants stayed. In the 15th century, the inn evolved into a bustling meeting place for the trade in bills of exchange. Thus, the word “beurs” (stock exchange), as we still know it today, originated from the name of both the family and the inn. Amsterdam and London later adopted the concept that had originated in Bruges. Bruges was the first financial capital of Northwest Europe, the “Wall Street” of the Middle Ages. In this room at the Historium, you can follow the first stock market transactions up close.

The Bruges quays

The most important import product was English wool, which was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth.

Bruges owed its prosperity in part to its strategic location: the city was situated halfway between Northern and Southern Europe, making it a true commercial hub. Bruges served as a hub for imports and exports during the Middle Ages. The most important import was English wool. This was used to weave the renowned Flemish cloth, which was then exported. In this first themed room, you find yourself amidst the activities of Bruges’ medieval world port. The city itself had access to the sea via the Zwin, a channel that emptied into the North Sea and along which Damme and Sluis were located, two important transshipment ports for Bruges. The ships that arrived in Bruges with merchandise were flat-bottomed vessels. The port of Bruges was accessible only to keel-less ships.

The Hanseatic League (an alliance of merchants and cities during the Middle Ages) imported mainly raw materials and commodities from the North: furs from Russia and Eastern Europe, oak from Poland, cloth from England, spices from Portugal, and precious metals from southern Germany, which were used to produce refined metalwork in Bruges. Grain and wine also came from Germany. From the South, the Italians traded fine fabrics and alum to fix the color of cloth, as well as gemstones, pigments, ivory, oil, and gold from the East and North Africa. Leather, spices, pigments, and all kinds of metals came from the Iberian Peninsula.

Jan van Eyck Studio

The Bruges art of the Flemish Primitives was highly sought after

In Jan van Eyck's studio, you can observe the creation of his world-famous painting 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. Bruges was renowned for its production of luxury textiles and garments. However, Bruges art was also highly sought after: goldsmithing, manuscripts, miniatures, and, of course, the panels of the Flemish Primitives, such as Hans Memling and Jan van Eyck.

Jan van Eyck was commissioned by Canon Joris van der Paele to paint the 'Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele'. The canon had strong ties to Rome and was an erudite man. In the painting, Jesus is depicted with a rose-ringed parakeet. This bird symbolizes the human soul and reflects the canon's wealthy background. For the creation of the painting, Jan van Eyck used oil paint and Venetian turpentine or larch turpentine.

The Old Toll House

The levies were a significant source of income for the city and ensured prosperity.

Here you stand in the midst of everyday street life in Bruges in the year 1435, at the tollhouse. Every product that entered or left Bruges passed through a tollhouse where payment was required. The proceeds went indirectly to the sovereign. In 1435, this was the Duke of Burgundy. Furthermore, excise duties were levied on consumer goods, which were allocated to the city of Bruges. Payment was also required for every transaction and every transfer: for the unloading of goods by the 'pijnders' (porters), and for the use of the crane. All these levies increased the price that the buyer ultimately paid for their wares. However, they were also a vital source of income for the city and the state, ensuring prosperity.

Dark streets

Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

In the Middle Ages, a street looked very different than it does today. Many houses in Bruges were still partially made of wood. Only the main streets were paved with cobblestones. In small streets, the ground consisted of packed earth. There were no sidewalks. Drainage mainly flowed toward the canals (Reien). Here and there, water basins or fountains provided the city with water. They were connected to a network of lead pipes that supplied water from the reservoir. Besides the water basins and fountains, only palaces and certain houses were connected to the water main or 'moerbuis'. Discover the narrow, dark streets and beautiful houses of medieval Bruges.

The Guilds

Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the Paternoster makers

From a square, you can observe how business was conducted in the trading houses. In the Middle Ages, many merchants and artisans were members of a guild. The guild was a regulatory body that governed the work of its members, set quality standards, and determined the quantity each member was allowed to produce. This ensured that only the finest products reached the market, maintaining high and uniform quality. Some crafts were highly specialized, such as that of the paternoster makers. Products were also frequently sold in only one specific location.

The Bathhouse

In the Middle Ages, there were various types of bathhouses: women’s bathhouses, men’s bathhouses, ‘potstoven’ (private baths), and mixed bathhouses.

In the Middle Ages, bathhouses were places to gather, wash, and meet ladies. Although bathhouses were common throughout Europe, they were actually illegal. As long as the owners of the Bruges bathhouses paid their taxes, they were allowed to operate their establishments unhindered. This encouraged people to
conduct trade in Bruges. The setting of the bathhouse in the Historium is based on the many Flemish men's bathhouses, miniatures of bathhouses from manuscripts of 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses.

'Facta et dicta memorabilia' by Valerius Maximus and other manuscripts with decorations depicting private bathing scenes. These sources also show that there were different types of bathhouses in the Middle Ages: women's bathhouses, men's bathhouses, 'potstoven', and mixed bathhouses. In the bathhouses, Brussels sage was often used for washing. Sage was used at the time as a kind of miracle cure that refreshed the body.