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European City Asks Tourists to Stop Stealing Ancient Cobblestones

Bruges, Belgium, warned tourists in 2025 to stop stealing up to 70 cobblestones monthly from its UNESCO World Heritage historic centre.
The theft occurs as visitors seek free souvenirs during peak seasons, causing loss of original stones from central sites such as the Vismarkt and Minnewater-See.
City councillor Franky Demon explained that the missing cobblestones create tripping hazards and represent damage to the cultural heritage of Bruges.
Demon stated, “We simply ask for respect,” adding that the repair cost is about €200 per square metre, underlining the financial and safety consequences.
Bruges urges visitors to leave the city's historic stones intact to protect the site’s integrity and allow future tourists to experience its centuries-old heritage.

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merkur.de

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Tourist Unsitte Becomes Dangerous: City Council Flees over Trend in Belgium Holiday Hotspot

In Bruges, paving stones regularly disappear. The city has its sights on tourists and warns: Bruges is a world heritage and not a souvenir shop.

12 hours ago

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Irish Independent

Lean Right

Anger in Belgium’s Bruges at tourists stealing cobblestones

The city of Bruges in Belgium has told tourists to stop stealing cobblestones from its historical centre because it is losing up to 70 each month during peak season.

1 day ago·Ireland

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The Independent

Lean Left

European city asks tourists to stop stealing ancient cobblestones

As many as 70 cobblestones disappear from the historic streets of Bruges each month.

2 days ago·London, United Kingdom

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The Straits Times

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Leave all stones unturned, please: Belgian city tells tourists to stop stealing its cobblestones

About 50 to 70 cobblestones go missing each month. Read more at straitstimes.com.

3 days ago·Singapore

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Aleph News

A Belgian City Remains Uncooked because of Tourists Who Steal the Pavac

The Belgian city of Bruges remains unpaved because of tourists. Tourists steal ten stones from the historic centre of the city Bruges. Each meter of pavac stolen costs 200 euros. Tourists are accused of destroying the symbols of the city of Bruges. The locals react strongly to the destruction of the heritage. The Romans say that you take a stone in your mouth when you arrive in a place, the Belgians insist on not doing it again. The Belgian city…

22 hours ago

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