Church of Our Lady in Bruges

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Description

The Church of Our Lady in Bruges, Belgium, dates mainly from the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries.

Its tower, at 122.3 metres (401 ft) in height, remains the tallest structure in the city and the second tallest brickwork tower in the world (the tallest being the St. Martin's Church in Landshut, Germany).

In the choir space behind the high altar are the tombs of Charles the Bold, last Valois Duke of Burgundy, and his daughter, the duchess Mary. The gilded bronze effigies of both father and daughter repose at full length on polished slabs of black stone. Both are crowned, and Charles is represented in full armor and wearing the decoration of the Order of the Golden Fleece.

The altarpiece of the large chapel in the southern aisle enshrines the most celebrated art treasure of the church—a white marble sculpture of the Madonna and Child created by Michelangelo around 1504. Probably meant originally for Siena Cathedral, it was purchased in Italy by two Brugean merchants, the brothers Jan and Alexander Mouscron, and in 1514 donated to its present home. The sculpture was twice recovered after being looted by foreign occupiers—French revolutionaries c. 1794 and Nazi Germans in 1944. Close to the Michelangelo statue important Brugeans are buried such as Françoise de Haveskercke, buried next to her husband in the black tomb of the Haveskercke family on the right side of the statue.

Street view

Reviews

05.10.2021 Thierry
Tickets for visiting cannot be bought anymore at the side entrance of the Church. You now have to go and queue at the Old Saint John's Hospital, together with those looking to vist the Hospital ... The tourists I was with, thought that was "not worth the soup", and we just skipped the visit to the Church ... Where are the days when you visited the church freely (in all senses of the word) ?
05.10.2021 Jad
Rich collection of historical pieces however, you are only able to look at Michelangelo's statue from afar. You will not see much of it.
05.10.2021 Giulia
Nice church. Was under construction when I visited. But at least I could see the beautiful sculpture of Michelangelo.
05.10.2021 sathish
We came to see michael angelo's statue.. and we were allowed to see from far away. See picture. I think, 4 euros is a waste of money, if its ur intent to observe this statue. Better see them on photos. I consider, its sheer greediness in not allowing people to see the statue up close, like they displayed in front.
05.10.2021 Puppy
Was a nice place to vist and absorb. there is a lot to see and too much to take in on just a quick trip. it's best too take your time .
05.10.2021 Adam
Beautiful church, though with lots of restoration happening when I went. One of the icons of the skyline.
05.10.2021 Angshuman
Old church with a museum. Walls adorned with paintings. Michelangelo's madonna and the child is here.
21.06.2018 Zahra
The only michelangelo work outside Italy is here and it was amazing. Cheap entrance for now since they are restoring oart of the church
16.06.2018 Thom
Beautiful church, a 13th Century gothic building with a large, spiralling tower and fantastic statue of Michelangelo, as well as some pretty amazing interiors.
21.05.2018 David
Very humbling and also beautiful inside. So light as well.
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