Why this European city is urging tourists to stop taking cobblestones from its streets

Indian Express

25-05-2025

The city of Bruges in Belgium has asked tourists to stop taking cobblestones from its historic streets, calling the practice harmful and costly, CNN reported on Saturday.
Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its preserved medieval streets. But local officials say visitors have started taking pieces of the street literally.
Around 50 to 70 cobblestones go missing each month, and that number increases during busy tourist seasons. Fixing the damage costs about 200 euros (Rs 19,349) per square metre.
Franky Demon, a local politician, told CNN, 'While some may see this as harmless or quirky, the consequences are serious.' He explained that missing cobblestones can be a danger for people walking in the area, and the city often has to send workers to repair the damage.
In one unusual case, Demon said, someone removed a cobblestone and replaced it with a flower. 'A whimsical gesture, but one that underscores a lack of respect for our shared heritage,' he said.
'These cobblestones are not just pieces of stone they are part of our city's soul,' Demon added. 'We urge visitors to enjoy Bruges, but to leave its beauty intact for others.'
The city's struggle is part of a larger issue of over tourism that many European cities are facing. Like Venice and Barcelona, Bruges is trying to protect its heritage and manage large numbers of tourists. In 2019, Bruges reduced the number of cruise ships allowed to dock at the nearby port of Zeebrugge. It also stopped advertising in popular tourist cities like Paris in an effort to cut down on day-trippers, CNN reported.
Officials are now asking people to think twice before taking souvenirs from the streets. Instead, they suggest visitors take home something that supports local culture and businesses — like a box of Belgian chocolates.
'We simply ask for respect,' Demon said to CNN. 'Walking through Bruges means stepping through centuries of history.'
The problem has highlighted a difficult balance for historic cities: how to welcome visitors while still protecting their cultural sites. And while a missing cobblestone might not seem like a big deal to some, for a city like Bruges where each stone has history every piece matters.
In response to the thefts, the city may also consider increasing surveillance and awareness. But for now, officials hope that reminding tourists of the meaning behind the stones will be enough.
'Let the cobblestones stay in Bruges,' Demon said. 'So everyone can enjoy them today and in the future.'
Bruges continues to be one of the most visited cities in Belgium, with its canals, narrow streets and medieval buildings drawing millions each year. But now, it's asking tourists to leave the streets as they found them and not take bits home.