Church of Our Lady: A Masterpiece of Gothic Architecture in Bruges
Discover a towering Gothic masterpiece in Bruges, home to Michelangelo's Madonna and Child and historical tombs of Mary of Burgundy and Charles the Bold.
The Church of Our Lady, or Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, is a towering symbol of Bruges, Belgium, showcasing intricate Gothic architecture. Its 115.5-meter spire is the tallest structure in the city and the second-highest brick tower in the world. The church is home to a world-renowned white marble sculpture of the Madonna and Child by Michelangelo.
A brief summary to Church of Our Lady
- Mariastraat, Bruges, 8000, BE
- +3250345314
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit during off-peak hours, ideally early morning or late afternoon, for a quieter experience.
- Entry to the church is free, but a ticket is required to visit the museum section, where you can see Michelangelo's 'Madonna and Child'.
- Check out the small museum adjacent to the church for more insights into its history.
- Dress modestly, as it is a place of worship.
Getting There
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Walking
The Church of Our Lady is located in the heart of Bruges and is easily accessible by foot from most central locations. From the Markt (main square), head south on Breidelstraat, then turn left onto Mariastraat. The church will be on your right. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs involved.
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Public Transport
If arriving by train at Bruges Station, take bus line 1 or 2 towards the city center. Get off at the 'O.L.V. Kerk' stop. From there, the church is a short walk away. A single bus ticket costs €3.00 if purchased in advance at a kiosk or €3.50 if bought from the bus driver.
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Taxi
Taxis are available throughout Bruges, including at the train station and the Markt. A taxi ride from the train station to the Church of Our Lady will cost approximately €11, but the actual fare might differ due to time of the day, tolls, works (available routes), different car companies.
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Car
If driving, follow signs to the city center and look for parking options such as 'Parking Centrum-Zand' or 'Pandreitje car park'. From these parking areas, it's about a 10-15 minute walk to the church. Parking rates in the orange dotted zone are €2.50 for 1 hour and €6.00 for 2 hours, and paid parking is required from 9:00 to 20:00.
Discover more about Church of Our Lady
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