Basilica of the Holy Blood, Brugge (must see)
The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a significant Roman Catholic basilica located in Bruges. This historical structure, built between 1134 and 1157, was originally established as the private chapel for the Count of Flanders and elevated to a minor basilica in 1923. It is renowned for housing a venerated relic of the Holy Blood, which tradition holds was collected by Joseph of Arimathea and brought from the Holy Land to Bruges by Thierry of Alsace, the Count of Flanders, particularly upon his return from the Second Crusade on April 7, 1150.
The basilica is composed of two distinct chapels situated on Burg Square. The lower chapel, dedicated to Saint Basil the Great, showcases dark, unchanged Romanesque architecture. It is one of the best-preserved Romanesque churches in West Flanders, and it houses several significant artifacts including a relic of Saint Basil brought back from Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia. Notable features include a 12th-century tympanum depicting the baptism of Saint Basil and several revered statues, such as the early 14th-century polychrome wooden sculpture of the seated Madonna and Child.
The upper chapel, initially built in Romanesque style, was transformed into Gothic style at the end of the 15th century and underwent a Gothic Revival renovation in the 19th century. This chapel is the repository of the Holy Blood relic and was once connected to the Counts of Flanders' original residence, now the town hall. Its aesthetic elements include the De Steegheere monumental staircase, rebuilt in the 19th century after being damaged during the French Revolution, and adorned with statues of historical figures such as Isabelle of Burgundy and Thierry of Alsace.
The upper chapel's stained-glass windows, dating back to 1845, depict the sovereigns of Flanders from Philip the Bold to Maria Theresa of Austria. The renovations in the 19th century provided the chapel with its current Gothic Revival appearance, featuring detailed mural decorations that add to its historic and religious significance.
Tip:
If you visit, the museum is the first thing you'll come to (and there is a small charge); however, the relic is not in there 鈥� it is, in fact, on show in the main church, which is free to view. It is also worth checking the official website for special events related to the Holy Blood - the page is well-constructed with 5 languages (English, French, Dutch, Spanish, and German).
The basilica is composed of two distinct chapels situated on Burg Square. The lower chapel, dedicated to Saint Basil the Great, showcases dark, unchanged Romanesque architecture. It is one of the best-preserved Romanesque churches in West Flanders, and it houses several significant artifacts including a relic of Saint Basil brought back from Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia. Notable features include a 12th-century tympanum depicting the baptism of Saint Basil and several revered statues, such as the early 14th-century polychrome wooden sculpture of the seated Madonna and Child.
The upper chapel, initially built in Romanesque style, was transformed into Gothic style at the end of the 15th century and underwent a Gothic Revival renovation in the 19th century. This chapel is the repository of the Holy Blood relic and was once connected to the Counts of Flanders' original residence, now the town hall. Its aesthetic elements include the De Steegheere monumental staircase, rebuilt in the 19th century after being damaged during the French Revolution, and adorned with statues of historical figures such as Isabelle of Burgundy and Thierry of Alsace.
The upper chapel's stained-glass windows, dating back to 1845, depict the sovereigns of Flanders from Philip the Bold to Maria Theresa of Austria. The renovations in the 19th century provided the chapel with its current Gothic Revival appearance, featuring detailed mural decorations that add to its historic and religious significance.
Tip:
If you visit, the museum is the first thing you'll come to (and there is a small charge); however, the relic is not in there 鈥� it is, in fact, on show in the main church, which is free to view. It is also worth checking the official website for special events related to the Holy Blood - the page is well-constructed with 5 languages (English, French, Dutch, Spanish, and German).
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Brugge. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Basilica of the Holy Blood on Map
Sight Name: Basilica of the Holy Blood
Sight Location: Brugge, Belgium (See walking tours in Brugge)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Brugge, Belgium (See walking tours in Brugge)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Brugge, Belgium
Create Your Own Walk in Brugge
Creating your own self-guided walk in Brugge is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Brugge Beer Tour
The Land of Beer that is Belgium, where each corner calls to you alluringly, has long welcomed thirsty visitors from all over the world. Of all the Belgian destinations, the medieval city of Brugge is a perfect place to promote one of the country鈥檚 most important and best-known exports. Back in the 15th century, at the peak of its commercial might, the city boasted over 50 working breweries... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Architectural Jewels Walking Tour
Within its egg-shaped boundary, the historic town of Brugge holds a wealth of architectural treasures. Both medieval and more modern creations await you practically around every corner and are fit to enchant even the most discerning viewers.
One such is a splendid piece of engineering called the Barge Bridge (Bargebrug). Its bright red and asymmetrical form makes it a charming spot and photo... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
One such is a splendid piece of engineering called the Barge Bridge (Bargebrug). Its bright red and asymmetrical form makes it a charming spot and photo... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Brugge Introduction Walking Tour
The capital of Belgium's West Flanders province, Brugge is a fascinating city, distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and historic architecture. Sometimes referred to as the Venice of the North, this is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe 鈥� dating back over a millennium 鈥� with a history richer and longer than that of Belgium itself (established since 1830).
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Historical Churches Tour
It's not much of a secret that some of the world's most beautiful churches are found in Brugge. Renowned for its medieval architecture and picturesque canals, this Belgian city is home to several historical temples, adding a great deal of charm to its tapestry.
The Begijnhof, also known as the Beguinage Houses, is a tranquil place and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 13th... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
The Begijnhof, also known as the Beguinage Houses, is a tranquil place and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 13th... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles