Why this European city is urging tours to stop taking cobblestones from its streets | World News

The city of Bruges in Belgium has asked tours to stop taking cobblestones from its horic 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 tour seasons. Fixing the damage costs about 200 euros (Rs 19,349) per square metre.
Story continues below this ad

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 tours. In 2019, Bruges reduced the number of cruise ships allowed to dock at the near port of Zeebrugge. It also stopped advertising in popular tour cities like Paris in an effort to cut down on day-trippers, CNN reported.Story continues below this ad
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 hory.”
The problem has highlighted a difficult balance for horic 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 hory  every piece matters.
In response to the thefts, the city may also consider increasing surveillance and awareness. But for now, officials hope that reminding tours of the meaning behind the stones will be enough.Story continues below this ad
“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 tours to leave the streets as they found them  and not take bits home.