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Basilica of the Holy Blood: A Sacred Relic in Bruges

Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges, a historic site with Romanesque and Gothic architecture, home to a revered relic.

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The Basilica of the Holy Blood, located in Bruges' Burg Square, is a Roman Catholic basilica housing a venerated relic of the Holy Blood, said to contain a cloth stained with the blood of Jesus Christ. The basilica consists of two chapels: a lower Romanesque chapel dedicated to St. Basil and an upper Gothic-style chapel that houses the relic.

A brief summary to Basilica of the Holy Blood

Local tips

  • The basilica is free to enter, but donations are welcome.
  • Check the Basilica's website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and veneration times.
  • The relic is venerated daily from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
  • Consider visiting during the annual Procession of the Holy Blood on Ascension Day.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Basilica is located on Burg Square in the heart of Bruges, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the Markt (Market Square), walk east towards the Burg. The Basilica is situated on the right side of the square. No costs are associated with this final approach.

  • Public Transport

    Bruges' public transport system consists of a network of buses. Several bus routes connect the train station and other key locations to the city center. From Bruges train station, take bus line 1 or 2 and disembark at the 't Zand, Sint-Salvatorskerk, O.L.V. Kerk, or Dijver stop. From there, it is a short walk to Burg Square. A single trip costs €3.00 when purchased in advance at a kiosk, and €3.50 when bought from the bus driver.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available at the Bruges train station and other locations throughout the city. A taxi ride from the train station to the Basilica of the Holy Blood typically costs between €10 and €15, depending on traffic.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking is available in several underground garages in the city center, including Centrum-’t Zand and Centrum-Station. Centrum-’t Zand is a 10-minute walk to Market Square. Rates are a free first hour, then approximately €3.80 for 2 hours, and approximately €15.80 for a full day. Centrum-Station is a 20-minute walk from the Market, and includes a free bus ticket for up to 4 people. Rates are approximately €1.20 per hour, approximately €6.10 per day. Above-ground parking in the city center is limited to 4 hours and costs €1.00 for up to 30 minutes, €3.00 for 1 hour, €7.00 for 2 hours, €12.00 for 3 hours, and €18.00 for 4 hours. Be aware that certain streets in the historic city center are car-free or low-traffic at certain times.

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Discover more about Basilica of the Holy Blood

The Basilica of the Holy Blood (Heilig-Bloedbasiliek) is a prominent religious site in the heart of Bruges, Belgium. This unique basilica comprises two distinct chapels, each with its own architectural style and historical significance. The lower chapel, dedicated to St. Basil the Great, stands as a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture, dating back to the 12th century. Its dark and unadorned interior exudes a sense of solemnity and reverence. The upper chapel, in contrast, showcases a Gothic style with stained glass windows and vibrant colors. Originally built in the Romanesque style, it was later transformed in the 15th century and again in the 19th century, resulting in its current Gothic Revival appearance. The basilica's claim to fame lies in its possession of a venerated relic: a phial said to contain a cloth stained with the blood of Jesus Christ. According to tradition, Thierry of Alsace, Count of Flanders, brought the relic to Bruges after the Second Crusade in the 12th century. The relic has since played a significant role in the city's religious life, attracting pilgrims and visitors from far and wide. The Procession of the Holy Blood, held annually on Ascension Day, is a major event in Bruges, during which the relic is carried through the streets in a ceremonial procession. Inside the upper chapel, visitors can admire the stunning stained-glass windows, a fine marble altar, and several statues of the Counts of Flanders. The relic itself is housed in a small glass cylinder within a silver tabernacle. The basilica museum displays the reliquary used in the procession, crafted in 1617 from gold, silver, and precious stones.

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