A swan at the Beguinage in Bruges.
Swans have adorned the waters of Bruges since the beginning of the 15th century, when Bruges purchased the right to keep swans from the Count of Flanders. At this time swans were seen as a symbol of distinction and were not allowed to be robbed or killed on penalty of penance. In the city accounts of 1403 one finds the first mention of swans in Bruges. At that time, the swans were still on the vests, as the canals were too busy as the city's waterways for the swans.
In the romantic 19th century the swan legends arose, which have survived to this day.
Hobby photographer from Bruges.
"The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera."
- Dorothea Lange..
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