Bruges: When fairy tales turn into nightmares

You may have heard of the film “In Bruges,” which praises the picturesque city to the skies. The winding alleys, romantic canals, and impressive architecture invite you to dream. But behind this idyllic façade lies a dark history that many are unaware of: Bruges is home to numerous ghost stories that will send shivers down your spine. If the legends are to be believed, this city is less of a fairytale location and more of a setting for nightmares. Every year, ghost hunters from all over the world flock to Bruges, attracted by its mystical atmosphere and the dark secrets hidden within the city. One place in particular stands out: the Chateau Miranda. This now abandoned building exudes an eerie aura. There are rumors of sinister activities and unexplained apparitions that terrify visitors. Let’s take a look at the most famous ghost story, which revolves around a monk and a nun. This tragic story has become deeply ingrained in the city’s memory and still gives people goosebumps today. The monk once lived in a small monastery on the banks of the tranquil Reie River. He was trapped in an unrequited love for a nun who strode lushly through the monastery gardens in her white robe. But as is often the case in fairy tales, love does not always end happily. The monk’s passion gradually turned to anger and despair. On a stormy evening, as the wind howled through the trees and the shadows danced, the unthinkable happened: the monk murdered the nun in a fit of madness. Her delicate life ended brutally, and he buried her body in a secret tunnel that ran beneath the monastery. The tunnel, it is said, was forgotten over time, but the souls of the two were never to rest. Since then, the ghosts of the monk and the nun have haunted the streets of Bruges. It is said that their desperate cries can be heard at night when the moon is high in the sky. People report seeing shadowy figures wandering the alleys while a cold wind blows through the streets. Especially at midnight, when the clock strikes, they suddenly disappear as if they had never been there. There are often reports of tourists walking in the dark who were seized by a sudden chill while feeling as if they were being watched. Some claim to have seen the ghosts: the monk with a tormented look and the nun in her simple robe, both floating through the night. There are even stories of people who were literally spellbound—what had been a simple walk quickly turned into a terrifying experience they would never forget. The fear and thrill that these stories generate have also attracted ghost hunters. They come to the city with their equipment to collect evidence of the supernatural, while the locals sometimes smile and say, “Hopefully what they find isn’t a nightmare.” For most, however, the legends are nothing but fantasy—until they themselves plunge into the darkness and experience the unknown. The fascination with such stories captivates people and makes Bruges a popular destination for horror fans. So if you ever set foot in this mysterious city, beware! One night, you may encounter the monk searching for his lost love, or the nun whose gentle voice whispers in the darkness. But don’t worry—at midnight, they disappear, and you can return to your accommodation and turn the lights back on. Nevertheless, the question remains: how safe is it really to stroll through the streets of Bruges at night? While the city reveals itself in the light of the street lamps and showcases the beauty of its architecture, the shadows lurking behind the walls may tell more than you would like to believe. Who knows, maybe it was just a shadow play – or maybe it was the monk in search of redemption. The stories of Bruges are complex and fascinating, with the charm of the city often contrasting with the dark legends that surround it. As you visit the charming cafés and sample the delicious chocolates, you may also encounter the ghosts of the past. They are not there to scare you, but to share their stories – stories of love, loss, and what comes after death. So if you dare to follow in the footsteps of the monk and the nun, know that Bruges is not just a city of romantic dreams. It is also a place where the ghosts of the past are never truly forgotten. And who knows, maybe one night you will sit by a quiet canal and hear the echoes of their story.