Burg.

Shown is a drawing of the Burg made in 1562. The Burg was for centuries, and it still is today, the administrative center of Bruges. It is also the place where the city had its origin with the building of a castle by the first count of Flanders in the 9^th century. The name is derived from the old Flemish name for a medieval fortress "Burgh", in old English "Borough" or "Burg"

Most prominent building on the Burg is the City Hall just above the number 3. Compare the drawing with the present day photograph. 

Until the French Revolution, the oldest church of Bruges, the St.Donatius Church (number 5), dominated the north side of the square and its presence on the Burg could be seen as a symbol of the "Ancien Régime" in which church and state were closely linked. Supporters of the French Revolution destroyed the church 200 years ago. From their point of view, probably a logical thing to do. Anyhow, the building marked on the drawing with the number 5 is gone and has been replaced with a square with trees. Those staying in the Holiday Inn can visit foundations from this church in the basement of the hotel.

Another interesting and very old church, the Basilica of the Holy Blood (number 4), remains on the square.