Location
There are a number of transportation options to get to this site. One of the main options to get into the city is to travel via train. Brussels to Bruges is only a 30 minute ride. If you plan to drive there, you have to head off to Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerkhof Zuid. An alternative to driving would be to take one of the buses that take the same route. P&O Ferries are another alternative you might also want to consider but take note that travel time by ferry will be longer.
Attractions
Other than the architecture, the works of art in the Church of Our Lady in Bruges – Belgium that many people visit here includes Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child sculpture, which was created in 1504. It is the only one of his works to ever make it out of Italy during his lifetime. Visitors can also peruse Anthony van Dyck’s Crucifixion of Christ among the many other priceless works of art housed in its walls.
There are also non-religious works of art housed here as well. For instance, you’ll find tomb sculptures of Mary of Burgundy and Charles the Bold laid side by side, which primarily uses bronze as the medium. Visitors also have a chance to view some tombs and graves that date back to the 13th and 14th centuries.
History
The architecture of the Church of Our Lady in Bruges – Belgium is truly an attraction in itself. The structure and design of this ancient church isn’t really uniform taking influences from French Gothic, Scheldt-Gothic, and Romanesque influences. The reason behind this admixture of various architectural styles is the fact that the entire structure took about two centuries to build, which is from the 13th to the 15th centuries.
Another design change took place during the 18th century where the entire structure was given a rather contemporary look. Nevertheless, renovations were made once more around the year 1900 in an effort to return the church to its original appearance. It appears that the church’s medieval appeal was deeply valued.
Cost
Visiting the church and the Madonna and Child sculpture is free. However, touring the museum and the chapels of Mary and Charles will cost visitors a small entry fee: adults 2.50 euros and children 1.50 euros.
Additional Information
The Church of Our Lady in Bruges – Belgium is a Roman Catholic parish church. It is open for visits from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12:30pm and 1:30 pm to 5 pm. Saturdays and Sundays have limited tour hours since part of the day is dedicated to Sunday worship.
