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Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges

4.4
#2 of 342 in Historic Sites in Flanders
Religious Site Architectural Building Must See
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. Plan to visit Basilica of the Holy Blood during your Bruges vacation using our convenient Bruges online trip itinerary planner .
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Basilica of the Holy Blood Tours
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Basilica of the Holy Blood Reviews
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating 4.0
4,496 reviews
Google
4.5
TripAdvisor
  • By DebDKD
    We were disappointed that we went to visit at 9:30 am which is when the notice said it opened but left at 9:40 as it was still not open.  more »
  • By martoct
    Well worth a look inside, very picturesque and a lot of history. Check out the pulpit, very good design.Free to enter and some very nice architecture and artwork.  more »
  • By AngieP49
    Pleased to discover that the Basilica was free to visit, donations for upkeep are invited and you only need to pay 50cents if you want to light a candle. Lots of history at this location and ideal pho...  more »
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  • By Alexis Ang
    Nice small church with the blood of Jesus Christ on a small piece of cloth rolled up in a glass tube. If you want to see it, go around 2pm+, go up the stairs and join the queue. No photos allowed once you are nearing the platform. It's kind of expected of you to donate some money to see the blood. There's supposedly some museum downstairs but we didn't go
  • By Deirdre Graham
    A beautiful and moving experience visiting this Basilica. I was pushing my elderly mother in a wheelchair and it was brilliantly accessible! Thankyou.
  • By Theresa S.
    If you enjoy churches or architecture, this one is small, but very special. The stained glass is stunningly beautiful and the atmosphere of the building is really an experience, even if you are not Christian. The story of the order of the Holy Blood is also fascinating. The only thing I can't necessarily recommed is the adjacent 'museum' which is actually just one room with a couple of things too look at. Yes, it's only 2,50 EUR, but still...considering you can look at the cool stuff for free, we were a bit disappointed.
  • By John Kuster
    Impressive historic site even if you're not interested in the relic itself. The single room museum gives a good impression of how important the relic has been for the town.
  • By Kerem Yalçın
    Extremely beautiful for a free tour. The treasury room is definately worth paying for. It offers a humble collection of delicate relics worth seeing. Also the staff is very respectful, as they expect you to show respect for what you see in return.
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