It has been reported that dozens of historic paving stones are stolen every month in the Belgian city of Bruges, one of the most touristic cities in Europe and which hosts millions of visitors with its medieval architecture.
According to Belgium’s official news agency Belga, historic paving stones are being stolen in Bruges, the capital of the Belgian region of West Flanders and one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations.
Iconic spots such as the Grand Place, Minnewater, Vismarkt and Gruuthuse Museum lose between 50 and 70 stones every month, especially during the peak tourist season in spring and summer.
The gaps left by the stones removed by tourists to take with them as “souvenirs” pose a danger to pedestrians, while the cost of repair per square metre is reported to be around 200 euros.
Bruges, which hosts millions of tourists every year with its Gothic architecture, cobblestone streets and water canals, has previously been on the agenda with locals complaining about the density of tourists.
The historical centre of the city is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
