Albert Robida’s book isn’t a story in the traditional sense. Instead, think of it as a guided journey. Robida acts as your companion, leading you from one ancient Flemish city to another. He paints vivid pictures with words and his own illustrations, showing you the grand cathedrals, the bustling quaysides, and the quiet, hidden courtyards most travelers miss. He points out the unique character of each place—why Bruges feels like a dream, how Ghent’s towers tell a story of power, and what makes the smaller towns in French Flanders so charmingly stubborn.

Why You Should Read It

This book is special because it’s a snapshot of a snapshot. Robida was documenting these towns in the late 1800s, often focusing on their medieval cores that were, even then, seen as historical treasures. Reading it today is a double journey: you see the 19th century looking back at the Middle Ages. His passion is contagious. He gets genuinely excited about a carved doorway or a legend about a bell tower. You’re not getting a list of dates; you’re getting the atmosphere, the quirks, and the personality of places that have stood for centuries.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect book for the curious traveler, the armchair historian, or anyone who geeks out over old maps and cityscapes. It’s for people who prefer their history served with personality and beautiful sketches rather than charts and graphs. If you’ve ever visited (or dreamed of visiting) places like Bruges, Ypres, or Lille, this book will add a whole new layer of depth to your appreciation. It’s a charming, personal, and visually rich escape into the heart of old Europe.