Tourism officials in Bruges have issued a plea to visitors to stop taking cobblestones from the city’s historic streets, as repair costs and safety risks mount.
The medieval Belgian city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its picturesque canals and cobbled lanes dating back to the Middle Ages. But authorities say tourists are increasingly removing the iconic stones as souvenirs — and the trend is causing significant harm.
City councillor Franky Demon said between 50 and 70 cobblestones are being stolen every month, with repairs costing around €200 (£168) per square metre.
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“We ask for nothing but respect,” Mr Demon told The Brussels Times. “Walking in Bruges means treading on centuries of history. Please leave these stones where they belong.”
The thefts are most prevalent during spring and summer when Bruges welcomes a surge in international visitors. Around 8 million people visit the city each year.
Key tourist areas such as Minnewater, Vismarkt, the Grand Place and the Gruuthuse Museum have been the hardest hit. The city’s charming streets, praised for their preservation, are now at risk of being compromised.
Officials have also raised concerns about public safety. As a compact, walkable city, missing stones create gaps that can pose tripping hazards.
Online, the issue has sparked a flurry of debate. On Reddit, users suggested stricter deterrents such as fines, surveillance cameras or selling replica stones in souvenir shops.
One local claimed the problem has persisted for years, recalling an incident where a tourist ignored their warning. “I told them horses have been sh***ing on it for decades. They didn’t listen and took it anyway,” the resident said.
Another resident criticised the city’s leniency, suggesting more robust enforcement is needed to protect Bruges’ heritage.
As the debate continues, city leaders hope that stronger messaging and increased public awareness will help curb the unusual souvenir trend before further damage is done.
