Brief synthesisThe Historic Centre of Brugge is an outstanding example of an architectural ensemble, illustrating significant stages in the commercial and cultural fields in medieval Europe. This architecture strongly determines the character of the historic centre of the city. Criterion (iv): The Historic Centre of Brugge is an outstanding example of an architectural ensemble. AuthenticityThe Historic Centre of Brugge illustrates continuity on an urban site that has been occupied since the early Middle Ages. An area of continuous settlement, the Historic Centre of Brugge has retained the original pattern of streets and places, canals, and open spaces.