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A European city stands up to disrespectful tourism: ‘Leave the stones where you found them’
The historic city of Bruges, with its fairy-tale canals and cobbled streets, has had enough.
Local authorities have called on tourists to stop taking paving stones as souvenirs. An apparently innocent gesture that, they say, is literally eroding centuries of history.
Councillor Franky Demon has been clear: between 50 and 70 cobblestones a month are being lost in emblematic places such as Vismarkt and Minnewater. Every stone removed not only damages the architectural legacy of this Flemish jewel declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also leaves a gap that costs 200 euros per square metre to repair.
“Walking through Bruges is no ordinary route: it is a journey through centuries of heritage,” Demon has recalled. Beyond the economic impact, the gaps pose a risk to pedestrians and cyclists. “Please leave the stones where they are. They are not souvenirs; they are part of our history.”
This is not an isolated case. Cities around the world are strengthening their regulations against harmful behaviour. While some impose fines for stealing sand or wearing inappropriate clothing, Bruges is choosing to appeal to visitors' conscience: travelling respectfully is also part of the memory.