Connected Worlds of Bruges

“Bruges is one of the world’s most interesting cities. This book explains how its rich history has been shaped by the movement of people, goods and ideas across continents, from the North Sea to the Mediterranean and far beyond.”

—Peter Frankopan

The story of Bruges reaches far beyond its city walls. From the Middle Ages, it was a place where worlds met: a hub for merchants linking northern Europe to distant maritime routes; a waypoint on the pilgrimages and Crusades that led to the Holy Land; a courtly focus for Europe’s dynastic circles; and a vibrant cultural and artistic centre where masters such as Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling and Gerard David maintained their workshops.

Drawing on remarkable artworks and objects from major collections, this volume explores how Bruges became one of the great crossroads of the medieval and early modern world. Peter Frankopan, Jan Dumolyn and other leading scholars reveal how the city was shaped by movement, exchange and imagination within the bigger picture of a world bound by trade, faith, power and art.

Published to mark the festive opening of the new art hall BRUSK in Bruges and its opening exhibition Bigger Picture – Connected World of Bruges 900–1550, Belgium, from 8 May until 6 September 2026.