Trip Planner: Europe / Belgium / Flanders / West Flanders Province / Bruges / Sightseeing / Basilica of the Holy Blood

Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges

4.5

#2 of 21 in Historic Sites in Bruges

Architectural Building Religious Site

Basilica of the Holy Blood is best known for containing the relic of the Holy Blood, a cloth alleged to have Christ's blood on it. The relic dates to 1150, when Derrick of Alsace, the Count of Flanders, received the relic as a reward for his heroism during the second crusade. Built in the 12th century, this is the only Romanesque-style church in Bruges. The upper chapel has been renovated several times in a Gothic Revival style. Enter the lower chapel to view the ornate naves, sculptures, and relics dedicated to several saints. Climb the Renaissance-style staircase to the upper chapel, where you'll find the relic of the Holy Blood. Make Basilica of the Holy Blood part of your personalized Bruges itinerary using our Bruges holiday planner.

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Where to stay in Bruges

Bruges' tiny city center is the place to be when staying in the medieval town. Don't stray too far from the World Heritage Site when looking for accommodations, and make sure to book in advance, as the historical city center attracts visitors in droves. As a hugely popular tourist destination, Bruges has no shortage of accommodations in varying price ranges. You'll find everything from backpacker hostels to upscale hotels here.

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3,481 reviews

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4.6

mrdom

You'll see the dramatic entrance next to the Stadhuis. It's free to enter, so go up the stairs. Inside is a smallish church but with a lot of painted walls. more »
bsutton871

Got to get up close and see the holy blood in a glass container. Of course by now it has solidified. This basilica is well worth it. more »
StillPaladin

Incredible experience! To kneel before a Relic of Christ's Blood and then receive His Body in the sacrament of the Eucharist... mind blowing and deeply moving. Very welcoming of young pilgrims too (ou... more »

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Daniel Bruce

Tucked away in a corner, what an amazing building inside! Downstairs it's very medieval and upstairs it's very ornate. I'm not religious but felt the process of the Holy Blood being presented was very impressive. Despite what other reviews say they don't make you pay, they ask for donations as they are a church, not a business and do not charge entry. You can still enter and spend time 1 on 1 with the holy blood without spending a thing.

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Giovanni Abbagnano

The double church, dedicated to Our Lady and Saint Basil in the 12th century and a basilica since 1923, consists of a lower church that has maintained its Romanesque character and a neo-Gothic upper church, in which the relic of the Holy Blood is preserved

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Rick Schwartz

Recommended. The church is free, but you'll have to pay more to see the artifacts. DSLR cameras are allowed.

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Jad Masri

We came here for a mass on Sunday at 11:00 and there was a quire from England visiting and it was something special. The church itself is beautiful and worth a visit. The church contains the relic of the blood of Christ. The priest gets angry if you try to sneak in a picture of the relic.

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Ivan Aschaulov

There are quite a few stories of this place. However that is or may be - it's worth visiting. It's very beautiful inside, soothing and majestic.

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