MINNEWATERPARK
Lake of Love Park, the city's most romantic spot, with a lake that served as a commercial basin for barges.
The Parc du Lac d'Amour is certainly the city's most romantic spot, an invitation to daydream. It's hard to imagine that from 1614, when the Bruges-Ghent canal was built, to the end of the 19th century, the lake served as a commercial basin for barges providing regular transport between the two cities. The literal translation of Minnewater would be the lake (water) of Love, to be compared with the German Minnesänger, troubadour, literally "singer of love". This corresponds to the current atmosphere of the lake. However, in the Middle Ages, this basin was Bruges' bustling inland port, crowded with ships unloading their cargo. Minnewater is therefore probably a distortion of Binnenwater, where binnen means "inside", i.e. the inner basin.
Stop at the little bridge and, in keeping with tradition, make a wish in memory of Minna and Morin's ill-fated love affair. The two young men loved each other, but Minna's father didn't want her to marry Morin. Minna ran away. When Morin found her, it was to catch her last breath. Mad with grief, he built a dam and drained the river to bury Minna. Once done, he broke the dam and the waters buried his beloved's body. Next to the bridge stands the Powder Tower, a former ammunition depot.
At the other end of the lawn, pass through the second gate and turn left, towards the Minnewater, already visible in the distance before entering the beguinage.
Did you know? This review was written by our professional authors.
Book the Best Activities with Get Your Guide
Members' reviews on MINNEWATERPARK
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
Find unique Stay Offers with our Partners
Les vues sont magnifiques et invitent à la balade au cœur de la ville ! J'adore !
petit conseil faite cette balade du printemps a l'automne... perso je l'ai faite en hiver, a la tombée du soir... cela était tout de suite moins romantique lol