City parks Bruges, green surroundings
As much is strived for the preservation of the historical character of the city, as much is being done to maintain nature in Bruges' city centre. As early as the 18th century the city ramparts were transformed into a pittoresk green belt with nice and quiet promenade walks. City Parks were laid out to give the beautiful swans a good home and where festivals and events now can be organized.
Bruges is surrounded by nature, as a result of history, which is very special. Medieval cities needed to be fortified and defended, what was achieved by ramparts around the city. They were created by walling the city and digging a canal. Evidence of this is the current canal, the remaining city gates and the current promenade walks along the canal. They are the result of our sucesors' efforts in the second half of the 19th century.
Bruges boasts several well maintained city parks. These city parks each have their own history. They are the favorite havens of migratory birds and of course of Bruges' swans. Bruges' residence also like to reside to the city parks: to let the children play, to walk the dog, to relax, the enjoy the sights or to have a romantic get-together. Keeping nature in the city centre is always an item on the city council's to-do list.
The city parks in the city centre of bruges are also used as scene for several festivals. 'Feest in't park' (celebrations in the park) uses several city parks, Klinkers annually descends in the Astridpark for the open air film, as well as for Benenwerk and the Minnewater (lake of love) is used each year for the Cactus Festival.
