Church of Our Lady, Brugge (must see)
The Church of Our Lady is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. The church dates back to the 13th century. The tower is 115.6 meters (379 feet) tall and is the tallest structure in Brugge. The impressive tower is the third tallest brickwork tower in the world.
The exterior flying buttresses were built in the 13th century. The interior side aisles and chancel feature ornate Baroque style.
Several notable tombs are located behind the altar. Charles the Bold and his daughter Duchess Mary are interred here. The tombs feature gilded bronze effigies. Charles the Bold wears full armor. Both Charles and Mary are shown wearing crowns. Mary Lovel, the founder of a convent at Antwerp, is also buried here.
Michelangelo created a stunning white marble sculpture of the Madonna and Child around 1504. The sculpture was donated to the Church of Our Lady in 1514. This sculpture is the biggest attraction in the Church of Our Lady and is located in the large chapel known as the Cappella sacra.
The sculpture is notable on two fronts. First, it is the only Michelangelo artwork that left Italy during his lifetime. Second, instead of featuring a Modonna looking lovingly at her child, this interpretation shows Madonna's sorrow at what will happen to her son.
French revolutionaries looted the sculpture in 1794 as did the German Nazis in 1944. It was successfully recovered both times. Near the sculpture, there are other tombs of important Brugeans. In addition, the Last Supper and Adoration of the Shepards by Pieter Poubus and the Transfigeration by Gerard David are outstanding.
Why You Should Visit:
To admire the huge brick tower, multiple altars, multiple organs, and some great artwork! The combination of this church and the Bonifacius bridge, plus the gardens and the canals is absolutely fabulous.
The exterior flying buttresses were built in the 13th century. The interior side aisles and chancel feature ornate Baroque style.
Several notable tombs are located behind the altar. Charles the Bold and his daughter Duchess Mary are interred here. The tombs feature gilded bronze effigies. Charles the Bold wears full armor. Both Charles and Mary are shown wearing crowns. Mary Lovel, the founder of a convent at Antwerp, is also buried here.
Michelangelo created a stunning white marble sculpture of the Madonna and Child around 1504. The sculpture was donated to the Church of Our Lady in 1514. This sculpture is the biggest attraction in the Church of Our Lady and is located in the large chapel known as the Cappella sacra.
The sculpture is notable on two fronts. First, it is the only Michelangelo artwork that left Italy during his lifetime. Second, instead of featuring a Modonna looking lovingly at her child, this interpretation shows Madonna's sorrow at what will happen to her son.
French revolutionaries looted the sculpture in 1794 as did the German Nazis in 1944. It was successfully recovered both times. Near the sculpture, there are other tombs of important Brugeans. In addition, the Last Supper and Adoration of the Shepards by Pieter Poubus and the Transfigeration by Gerard David are outstanding.
Why You Should Visit:
To admire the huge brick tower, multiple altars, multiple organs, and some great artwork! The combination of this church and the Bonifacius bridge, plus the gardens and the canals is absolutely fabulous.
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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Church of Our Lady on Map
Sight Name: Church of Our Lady
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 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
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 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
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