Latest news with #HolyBlood
Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful 'Venice of the North' city is one of Europe's most underrated cities
With thousands of tourists flocking to cities like Amsterdam and Venice, this beautiful city in Belgium, named the "Venice of the North" is one of Europe's most underrated and is far less crowded While Amsterdam and Venice are flooded with tourists, a picturesque Belgian city known as the "Venice of the North" is one of Europe's hidden gems, boasting fewer crowds and just as much charm. Situated on Belgium's northwest coast, this enchanting city offers cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, canals and a rich history, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a more authentic experience. Only an hour's train ride from Brussels, Bruges has preserved its quaint, romantic atmosphere, making it a top choice for tourists seeking a less crowded alternative. The city's remarkably well-preserved medieval centre features towering buildings, rows of gabled houses, pointed arches, ornate facades, and barrel vaults seamlessly blending history with modern trends. Bruges' oldest buildings, showcasing early Romanesque and Gothic styles, are still standing, including the iconic 13th-century Belfry of Bruges bell tower. For a small fee, visitors can climb the 366 steps to the top for breathtaking views of the town and its surroundings, reports the Express. Other must-see attractions include the Museum of the Church of Our Lady, home to the world's second-tallest brick tower, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which houses a cloth believed to be stained with the blood of Jesus. Bruges, often likened to Venice, boasts a complex network of canals linking various parts of the city. The majority of attractions are within walking distance, and those that aren't can be reached via a picturesque canal ride. Initially used for transport and commerce, these canals now play a vital role in the city's culture, offering a Venetian experience without the throngs of tourists. Another way to explore Bruges is by horse-drawn carriage. Setting off from one of the main squares, these carriages navigate the city's winding cobbled streets, crossing ancient bridges and passing through other significant squares, all while the coachman provides commentary, according to Visit Bruges. However, it's worth noting that these rides do not operate when temperatures exceed 30°C to protect the horses' welfare. Bruges also serves as a cultural and artistic hub, housing numerous world-class museums such as the Groeningemuseum and the Memling Museum, which display Flemish and Dutch art, statues, and sculptures. The city also celebrates contemporary art, hosting the Bruges Triennial every few years, where artists erect modern installations throughout the city. Renowned for producing the finest chocolate globally, Bruges boasts some of the richest chocolate in the nation. This charming city is home to numerous Belgian chocolate shops, where expert chocolatiers utilise premium ingredients like high-quality cocoa beans, cocoa butter, and fresh local dairy products to craft their exquisite chocolates, as noted by Fodor's Travel. Visitors can indulge in an array of flavours and fillings, including nuts, liqueurs, and fruits, and even explore the chocolate museum, Choco-Story Brugge, which offers a glimpse into the history of chocolate-making and hands-on workshops. For a more substantial culinary experience, Bruges' restaurants, nestled within the city's historic buildings, serve a delightful blend of Belgian and French cuisine. Be sure to try the crispy Belgian frites, or "pommes frites" which are often accompanied by an assortment of side sauces, including truffle mayonnaise, BBQ and Indian curry. Flemish Stew is another local favourite. If you prefer to avoid the summer crowds and heat, Bruges hosts one of Europe's most enchanting Christmas Markets, making it an ideal winter destination. Visitors to Bruges' historic centre have described their experience as a "fairytale" on Tripadvisor, with one reviewer noting, "The medieval architecture, with its charming gabled houses and serene canals, creates a magical atmosphere." Others have praised it as the "prettiest town in Belgium" and "a place that everybody should visit."
Calgary Herald
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
Preview: No nerves for actor portraying prominent Tom Hanks character in The Da Vinci Code
Article content Dan Brown's 2003 novel The Da Vinci Code has sold more than 80 million copies and been translated into 44 languages. The 2006 film version, starring Tom Hanks as symbologist Robert Langdon, grossed $760 million and spawned two sequels. Article content The success of the novel and film is like a sword of Damocles hanging over Graham Percy's head as he is playing the main character in Vertigo Theatre's stage version that runs until June 8. Article content Article content 'Initially, I was very intimidated, but the script for the play is quite different than the film. In the play, Robert is way more flawed. He's a rumpled, faded guy, and I can play that. I'm not the matinee idol kind of guy that Tom Hanks is. There isn't the romance that was in the film. You won't have the audience asking how a young girl could be attracted to this rumpled old professor. It is our shared interest in signs and symbols that creates a kind of chemistry between us,' says Percy. Article content Article content The Da Vinci Code created quite a bit of controversy when it was released. It is purported that Christ and Mary Magdalene were lovers and that they had at least one child, and Langdon and Sophie Neveu are in search of this bloodline. Article content 'I had already read the book Holy Blood, Holy Grail, so I was aware of the premise of Brown's novel. I was really entranced by the whole concept. In its day, it was a real conspiracy theory. It really opened a can of worms. People thought Brown's novel was nonfiction. There are people who still do. Article content 'It's been a good 20 years since the book and the film were so popular. We're hoping people will have forgotten enough of the details that they will join us in the search, and they will be as surprised as Sophie and I are by what we discover along the way.' Article content In the story, Sophie is a cryptologist and Robert is a symbologist. Article content 'There is no such thing as a symbologist. It's something Brown made up. It means that Robert is a specialist in symbols, but, as he says, what you see in the symbol is what it means, so it doesn't make him much of an expert, but it sounds good.' Article content Graham says there are two mysteries the audience has to solve in Vertigo's The Da Vinci Code. Article content 'There is this whole thing about the Holy Grail, or the bloodline of Christ, and then there is also the whole thing about Sophie. Who is she? What broke the relationship between her and her family? Was it because of her that her grandfather was murdered?' Article content As with the film, Robert and Sophie's quest takes them to some very exotic places, including the Louvre Museum in Paris, and to view some great artworks that Robert must interpret for their symbols. This requires a great deal of projections, as designed by Andy Moro.
