Sure thing, let’s start with the basics: Bruges sprang up around the 10th century as a river port, and by the 12th century it had become a key node on the Hanseatic trade routes. The city’s layout—those narrow cobblestone lanes, the concentric canals, and the impressive Belfry—was deliberately planned to support commerce and defense. The guild houses along the canal, especially the one that later became the Groeningemuseum, were built by the wealthy merchants who poured gold into the city’s wealth. In the 14th and 15th centuries Bruges reached its hey‑day, becoming a cultural hub with the famous School of Bruges. The medieval vibe you’re dreaming of is really about that blend of commerce, art, and the daily life of traders and craftsmen. If you want more detail on any particular period or landmark, just let me know—I'll keep it crisp and factual so you can focus on the wanderlust.