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Church of Our Lady: A Gothic Masterpiece in Bruges

Discover Bruges' iconic Church of Our Lady, home to Michelangelo's Madonna and Child and stunning Gothic architecture.

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The Church of Our Lady, or Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, is a towering symbol of Bruges, Belgium, showcasing intricate Gothic architecture. Its 115.6-meter spire is the tallest structure in the city and the second-highest brick tower in the world. The church is home to Michelangelo's Madonna and Child sculpture, one of his few works outside Italy.

A brief summary to Church of Our Lady

Local tips

  • Admission to the church is free, but a ticket is required to visit the museum section where Michelangelo's Madonna and Child is displayed.
  • Visit during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late afternoon, for a quieter experience.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby attractions like the Markt, Belfry, or Groeninge Museum.
  • Dress modestly as the Church of Our Lady is a place of worship.
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Getting There

  • 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, walk south along Breidelstraat, then turn left onto Mariastraat. The church will be on your right. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Bruges train station, take bus line 1 or 2 towards the city center. Get off at the 'O.L.V. Kerk' stop on Mariastraat. The Church of Our Lady will be directly in front of you. A single bus ticket costs €2.50 if purchased in advance or €3.50 if purchased on the bus.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available at the Bruges train station and throughout the city center. A taxi ride from the train station to the Church of Our Lady will cost approximately €10-€15, depending on traffic. Taxi stands are also located on the Markt.

  • Car

    If driving, follow signs to the city center and look for parking options such as 'Parking Centrum' or 'Pandreitje car park'. These are within walking distance of the Church of Our Lady. Parking rates in the orange zone are €2.50 for 1 hour and €6.00 for 2 hours. From the parking area, walk towards Mariastraat to find the church.

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Discover more about Church of Our Lady

The Church of Our Lady stands as a testament to Bruges' rich history and artistic heritage. Construction began in the late 13th century, replacing an earlier Romanesque structure, and continued into the 15th century. The church's soaring spire has shaped the city's skyline for centuries, alongside the Belfry and St. Salvator's Cathedral. Inside, visitors can explore a wealth of artistic treasures, including the white marble sculpture of the Madonna and Child by Michelangelo, created around 1504. This iconic piece is the only sculpture by Michelangelo that left Italy during his lifetime. The church also houses the 15th and 16th-century mausoleums of Charles the Bold and his daughter Mary of Burgundy. The church's interior reflects a blend of Gothic and Baroque styles, with cross-vaults, tiled flooring, and ornate side aisles. One of the chapels was created in 1482 for Lodewijk van Gruuthuse as a personal worship area. The church has a rich collection of paintings, colorful stained-glass windows, and impressive church furniture. Throughout its history, the Church of Our Lady has endured fires and even being auctioned off during the French Revolution. Today, it remains a place of prayer and a final resting place for prominent figures, as well as a significant artistic and architectural landmark.

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