The Liberty of Bruges Palace

You can’t visit Bruges without stopping at the Liberty of Bruges Palace. Once the seat of real power, this is where major economic decisions were made for the city. The building played a crucial role in the Middle Ages, both for Bruges and the surrounding region as well. Back then, this area had a very specific name: châtellenie. To understand the châtellenie, we need to trace the Liberty of Bruges Palace’s origins, which are closely tied to the old County of Flanders. The Burg Square you heard about earlier would later become the administrative centre of this district. The Liberty of Bruges covered the surrounding area and was divided into three zones: first, the “true Liberty,” governed by its own council of aldermen; then the “appendants,” made up of thirty lordships, each with their own aldermen; and finally, the “contributors”—seven independent lordships that, while largely autonomous, still depended on the Liberty for taxation matters. The palace was Bruges’ financial and administrative core. It played a role in managing trade decisions—laying the groundwork for Bruges to become one of Europe’s key commercial hubs, perfectly placed on major trade routes. From 1795 to 1984, the building served as a court of assizes. Today, it houses the city’s municipal archives, preserving centuries of Bruges’ written history. This remarkable neo-classical building, recognised as a historic monument in 1938, is more than just a beautiful façade—it’s a living symbol of law and power. You can also visit the Liberty of Bruges Palace, just note that you’ll need to buy a ticket.