*BRUGES*: the Palace of the Franc and City Hall

Welcome to the Franc Palace in Bruges, a building steeped in centuries of history. If the interior reminds you of a courtroom, you are not mistaken; you are in the courtroom of the former Bruges courthouse. From the late 18th century until 1984, the Bruges court held its sessions here. Today, it houses the Bruges archives. But the primary purpose of this tour is to introduce you to the Franc of Bruges and its college of aldermen, which was established here from the 1400s until the end of the 18th century. By the end of this tour, you will know all about the college’s responsibilities and exactly what the Franc of Bruges was.

Continue your tour at Bruges City Hall. The city council meets here, and the mayor and various municipal departments have their offices here. Upstairs, in the impressive Gothic hall, the people of Bruges get married, and the mayor receives his distinguished guests. During this guided tour, we will visit the magnificent Gothic hall and the historic hall on the first floor.