Bruges, Belgium is often referred to as the Venice of the North owing to its network of canals winding through medieval buildings. It is a waterborne city, its many canals part of a network that links it to the North Sea. Of all the canals in the centre of town. The Groenerei, the 'green canal', is the most romantic. It is best seen from Peerdenbrug, (the Horse Bridge) looking towards the Meebrug. The canal is lined with trees and creepers, elegant 17th century mansions and almshouses and topped by the cathedral tower.