Church of Our Lady

Fantastic old church with an interesting history. I got to see my first statue by Michelangelo in this chapel. And of course, the story of the lady for which the chapel is named is an impressive and fascinating one, which makes the visit even more fun. The attached house museum is also a wonderful experience!

The Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk) in Bruges, Belgium, is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture, constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries. Its 115.5-meter (379 feet) brick tower is the second tallest of its kind in the world, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of Bruges' medieval builders. Inside, the church houses an impressive collection of art treasures. The most renowned is Michelangelo's white marble sculpture, "Madonna and Child," completed around 1504. This piece is notable for being one of the few Michelangelo sculptures outside Italy. The church also contains the ornate 16th-century tombs of Charles the Bold and his daughter, Mary of Burgundy. Their gilded bronze effigies rest atop polished black stone slabs, reflecting their significant roles in European history. Visitors can explore the church's rich interior, which includes 13th and 14th-century painted crypts and numerous paintings. The church is connected to the Gruuthuse palace via an oratory in the chancel, highlighting its historical significance. The Church of Our Lady remains an active place of worship and a testament to Bruges' rich cultural and architectural heritage.

Magnificent. Get the Brugge 48hr museum pass. The museum that is inside the church is absolutely fantastic. They have a lot of signs in different languages explaining the history of everything. 2 famous people in history are here (mary and her dad charles). Mary died at 25 after a horse riding accident, which changed the course of history. They have 14th-century painted graves on display. Michaelangelo's Madonna, which is one of only a few pieces of his that left italy. There's beautiful stained glass, ornate silver relics, large 15th-century art work, something for everyone. Maybe not kids though, its a quiet environment and might be boring for them.

Probably our favourite church in Bruges due to the historical significance. Look into the left corner window, apparently this is where Louis used to watch the mass away from the peasants. There’s a Michelangelo statue and the grave of Peter the long neck (another significant historical Bruges figure). Loads of other amazing art as well.

An amazing Roman Catholic church dating back from the 13th century. Its the tallest building in Brugges with its 115 metres tower hanging high. The outside façade looks well-kept, but the inside was transformed to a more modern setting. I, personally, didn't think it fits at all with the old Baroque atmosphere. Inside, you can also find the tombs of Charles the Bold and his daughter, duchess Mary.

A beautiful church built in the 13th century. I would say one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture. Highest religion in Europe Famous for structures and sculpture by Michelangelo.

We will go back to Brugs some day just to visit this spectacular church and book a guided tour. If you want to see Michelangelo's Madonna and Child, book your tour in advance, which we didn't know to do.

Beautiful, gothic church. Part of it is free, but to see the rest of the church which is actually a "museum", you need to pay. Still, it's worth it as it is a very stunning church with a lot of history. Only thing that I was bummed about is that I was unable to climb the tower of the church. It said online that people were able to climb to the top of the church tower (which is taller than the Belfry), but when I went there and asked about it, I found out that that's not the case. So, if you're coming here expecting to climb the tower, sorry but you won't be able to.

Its 300 ft tall brick tower, the second tallest of the world, illustrates the craftsmanship of the Bruges builders. Since it was Sunday this historic church was closed to the public. Inside we missed art treasures, Michelangelo's world-famous marble Madonna & Child as the absolute highlight. The rich church interior contains numerous paintings, 13th and 14th century painted crypts and the 15th and 16th century tombs of Mary of Burgundy & Charles the Bold.

Aside from the Belfort, one of the church towers dominating the Bruges skyline belongs to this church, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary can be found throughout the Benelux region. While this church does not have cathedral status (that's in Antwerp), it has the distinction of housing the only Michelangelo sculpture to make it outside Italy. LOGISTICS - Church is free to enter, but most of the church's main attractions are sequestered from public view. To access this area costs €6. At the time of visit some parts of the church are under construction. - You can buy a combination ticket that also includes the connecting Gruuthusemuseum for €14. This is worth it if you like to deep-dive into Bruges' history. Highlights - 115.5 meter brick tower, second tallest in the world. - Ceremonial tombs of Mary of Burgundy and Charles the Bold, located in the choir. Charles died in battle, while his daughter Mary died in a horse riding accident. - The aforementioned Michelangelo sculpture of Mary and baby Jesus in Carrara marble. The sculpture was originally meant for Siena Cathedral but was purchased by a Bruges merchant family while in Italy, who then shipped it to Bruges. - Wooden prayer chapel meant for the private worship of the family of Louis of Gruuthuse. While the exterior is seen from this church, the interior is accessed through the connecting Gruuthusemuseum. This church is definitely a highlight of one's trip to Bruges, especially if one has been to Italy beforehand and has seen all of Michelangelo's works.

Nice church with beautiful architecture, On our last visit in 2019 we could not get in as it was under repair. It is surprisingly bright inside but unfortunately you have to pay to see the Madonna and Child statue and can only visit the fron of the church. Having seen the Pieta, we figured nothing else could compare so we opted not to pay and just sat for awhile and contemplated the church's beauty.

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-DRINK! It sounds like a drinking chant, sorry. Church of Our Lady, the tallest thing in Bruges, unless I'm on my back. Pretty church with brick, marble, smooth stone, bronze, the highlight being Michelangelo's marble Madonna and Child. Aptly, the child was African, just like the singer Madonna. Only this Madonna didn't have a red string around her wrist. Madonna was stolen twice, actually. Three times if you count Lady Gaga.

This was a follow-up visit to this fantastic building to see how the renovation work was proceeding and, naturally, to see and pay respect to the wonderful Madonna and Child. We were very impressed on our last visit to see the amount of restoration work. This visit showed that every minute of their work had been well spent. Obviously, there are many years to go but future generations will be able to see a wonderful building. God bless to those wonderful restorers and those that donate, no matter how small, to this work.

From a distance, it appears to tower into the sky with what unmodern technology can build, as if a castle from a Hobbit movie. With a stature built centuries ago from the realistic stand point. But still sustained through the centuries. Just an awe to look at and of course take photos of. When you get close to the entrance, all you can see are the lower parts of the walls, by looking up, one cannot see the top portion. That's how tall and wide this church stands. It's only a couple Euros to enter the magnificent church, but the main attraction would be Mary and Christ as a boy (Madonna And Child), the cost is not much to see one of Michelangelo's once stolen works...a crafted part of history. There are paintings along this hall way down to where the actual sculpture is blocked off and can be viewed from about 20 feet away. For a Christian, this church would be very impacting. It is dark in there and it is very gothic in a Catholic kind of way. One can even see a rack of spikes, original style Cilice? Possibly. That is the exhibit. The other side is the actual church with two places to sit and pray. A more private behind doors yet modern section and the open area with candles. I sat, saw and felt. I won't elaborate on any personal religious thoughts or beliefs but an awe inside as it was from a far away standpoint.

Just outside of the main town square, lies one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the area. Being well over 300 ft tall, it's the second largest brickwork tower in the world. The architecture, attention to detail and overall aesthetics are remarkable. It also happens to have one of the only Michelangelo works the Madonna of Bruges inside at the altar. The outside grounds are also beautiful and one of the best approaches is from the bridge going over the canal to the back.

It is undergoing a massive remodel so many areas were inaccessible. However, a good bet for the reduced two euro rate. Gotta see the Madonna and child sculpture.

Beautiful cathedral in the heart of Bruges that is truly remarkable to see. Fee was €2 to enter which is nothing to marvel at it's stunning architecture. It's well worth the visit and the crowds.

Though seemingly austere on first impression this beautiful church is always on our must do every time we go to Bruges. If there is a fog the massive tower looms out over you as approach from Park Hotel. Overwhelming on entry but you soon become accustomed to it.