Church of Our Lady

A trip to Bruges usually conjures images of colourful centuries old buildings, the most popular of which are found in The Markt or Market Square. However, for my 2nd visit to the city, I requested a friend to bring me to the statue of the "Madonna of Bruges" located in the Church of Our Lady. This Michelangelo sculpture was prominently featured in the movie "Monuments Men" as one of the art treasures looted by Nazi Germany. The moment I entered the church, I was super excited as it has been on my bucket list since 2014. To pay homage to the Virgin Mary is part of the Devotion of a Catholic. To see the sculpture of Michelangelo is an art lover's cherished desire. To be near an object with historical significance is top wish for every student of history. Thus, it was truly a dream fulfilled for me to see the Madonna. The Church of Our Lady (Dutch: Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk) is a Roman Catholic church  in Bruges, Belgium, dating mainly from the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. Its 115.6-metre-high (379 ft) tower remains the tallest structure in the city and the third tallest brickwork  tower in the world. The tower can be nicely seen from the canals during a boat tour. Just like in any gothic church, the interior is splendid. The stained-glass windows are beautiful with ornate decorations and with a sense of mystery. I was surprised to see open burial stone coffins with paintings or markings inside. Truly bizarre. In contrast, the ornately decorated resting places of Mary of Burgundy and her father were pleasant surprises. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, especially for Catholics, lovers of history, and the arts. #CatholicChurch #Bruges #Belgium #MadonnaOfBruges #Michelangelo

Beautiful and iconic church to visit while in Bruges. A rare opportunity to see a sculpture created by Michelangelo. The details in the Madonna of Bruges marble sculpture are astonishing! You will pay €6 per adult to see the sculpture but it is worth the opportunity. The church is in a beautiful location and near the most popular tourist locations.

Visiting the Church of Our Lady was an unforgettable experience. The moment I stepped inside, I was struck by its breathtaking beauty. The intricate architecture and stunning scripture throughout the church create a truly peaceful and awe-inspiring atmosphere. Every corner holds a sense of deep history, and you can feel the stories that have passed through the walls over the centuries. Whether you’re religious or simply appreciate art and culture, this place is a must-see. A remarkable gem filled with beauty, reverence, and rich historical significance.

It has to be one of the most impressive churches. After seeing thousands of churches in Europe, it all start to look alike. But this one feels quite different . dating mainly from the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. Its 115.6-metre-high (379 ft) tower remains the tallest structure in the city and the third tallest brickwork tower in the world (after St. Mary's Church in Lübeck and St. Martin's Church in Landshut, both in Germany). The church demonstrates the Gothic style in the prominent Flying buttresses on the exterior which were constructed in the 1270s and 80s.The nave contains cross-vaults and black and white tiled flooring.The interior demonstrates the heavily ornamented Baroque style in the side aisles and chancel. One of the chapels in the church was created in 1482 for a wealthy man named Lodewijk van Gruuthuse, as his personal worship area.

What an amazing church, not just for Michelangelo's sculpture, but all the history and intricacies. Don't miss out on it! I would definitely visit again.

This is one of Bruges’ most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Its soaring brick tower, reaching 115.5 meters (379 feet), is the tallest structure in Bruges and one of the tallest brick towers in the world. Construction began in the 13th century and continued for two centuries, resulting in a harmonious blend of architectural styles. The church is especially famous for housing Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child, the only one of his sculptures to have left Italy during his lifetime. Inside, visitors can also admire ornate altarpieces, medieval tombs of Burgundy nobility, and beautiful stained-glass windows. The tombs of Charles the Bold and Mary of Burgundy are particularly noteworthy for their historical and artistic significance. The Church of Our Lady is both a spiritual sanctuary and an artistic treasure, offering insight into the religious and cultural richness of medieval Bruges.

Great stop! Awesome building, architecture, art and stained glass. Love the ornate details inside and out. Must go inside to appreciate if you are close enough to see the spectacular tower!

A beautiful piece of religious history and art. Free to enter and see the main altar from far, but highly recommend spending the 8€ to enter the other parts. Lots of renaissance art throughout, to include the Michelangelo sculpture. A must do while in Brugges.

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.