Bruges’ Most Famous Citizen
Early scenes in the movie In Bruges showcase the beauty and charm of the medieval of Bruges, Belgium. We see the spire of Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady) as it pierces the morning mist. Horse-drawn carriages laden with tourists clip-clop through Bruges’ main square. Medieval buildings are reflected in the River Dijver as boat tours gracefully sail past. And then the camera flashes to a quick shot of a dog lazily enjoying the sun through an open window. What’s up with the dog, anyway?
The Famous Dog of Bruges
When we first arrived in Bruges, I had no idea that the “Dog of Bruges” was so famous. Yes, I had seen him in the movie, but I didn’t expect the dog to have any significance. As it turns out, not only is he a famous movie and television star (you can see him for about two seconds at the 4:41 mark in In Bruges, and he also appears in a Godiva Chocolate commercial), but he’s also in the photo collection of every single person who has ever visited Bruges.
The dog is a golden Labrador named Fidel, and he lives at the Côté Canal Bed and Breakfast. He sleepily hangs out in a canalside gable window and seems to be oblivious to the hoards of fans that pass him daily.
Fidel is hanging out of the window on the left. [Source]
It wasn’t until we passed by Fidel on the canal tour that I remembered seeing him in the movie. I managed to snag a quick snapshot, although the quality is pretty crappy because I had to take it with my phone. For some reason, seeing Fidel ended up being one of the highlights of my time in Bruges.
The least flattering picture of Fidel on the Internet
Where He’s Located
If you would like to see Bruges’ most famous citizen, start at the 19th-century Vismarkt and travel 130 meters northeast along the Groenerei (Green Canal). Once you pass the Meestraat bridge, look left to see the Dog of Bruges performing his daily vigil.
Cote Canal Bed and Breakfast
Update
Sadly Fidel passed away on January 31, 2016 at the age of 12. He had a great life and he will be missed. Our condolences to his owner, Caroline Van Langeraert.
Source: Het Nieuwsblat (Dutch)
Sadly, Fidel passed away yesterday.
Wow, I’m blown away. For some reason I felt a personal connection to Fidel. Thanks for the update, Beth.
I am sad to hear about Fidel. Saw him several times and will never forget him. Farewell Fidel, my baby girls await you. ❤️
I visited Bruges in 2014 and I hoped and prayed that I would get to see Fidel. It was a dream come true that I did and I had some photos taken with the precious dog in the background. Pictures that I will treasure forever. I am so very sorry to learn of Fidel’s passing. May he rest peacefully in puppy heaven.
I’m Henk and Fidel was my dog i’m looking for nice pictures of my friend could you help me please ?
If you email me, I have very nice picture of Fidel, taken a couple of years ago. Not sure how to send it through this site.
Take care.
Henk, if you send me an e-mail address my friend can send a few pictures to you. 🙂
Thanks
Hi Henk, I took a photo of Fidel in 2013. I would be more than happy to send it to you if you send me your email address. Thank you for having such a lovely dog to leave warm smiles for people all over the world.
Sad to hear as the dog Fidel was really well known for being in the film. The film seemed to show everything of the good side of Bruges. Such an amazing place that there are things really good left out. On a good note I am trying to get In Bruges sequel. Spoken to actors and any one I can get hold of including Brugges City Film Office. May be could dedicate Fidel to new film. Also Colin Farrell says would like sequel in this clip https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LZoApHKemwY
Yesterday, I showed the photo album of our trip to Amsterdam & Bruges in April 2015 to a friend who leaves tomorrow for Belgium. I told him to take the Bruges canal cruise & look out for this dog in the window. He even took a picture of our photo with his phone as a reminder. He later googled “Bruges dog in window” & sent me the sad news. When we first returned from our 2015 trip, my wife was showing pictures and telling a co-worker about this wonderful dog in the window. She exclaimed “I have that same picture”! We had no idea of his widespread fame.
While we had been to Bruges twice before, this was the first time we had taken the canal boat trip, so we had missed seeing Fidel in earlier years. Also, had never seen the dog in the movie, will have to get the DVD out & watch again while drinking a belated farewell toast to a great dog. Better late than never.
RIP Fidel
I agree, Fidel was such a Bruges establishment. He is sorely missed.