The Madonna and Child was originally intended for the Siena Cathedral before being purchased by Bruges merchants.
The tomb of Mary of Burgundy features a gilded bronze effigy lying on a black touchstone slab.
During World War II, German soldiers stole the Madonna and Child, which was later recovered by the Monuments Men and returned to the church.
The church tower's brickwork is unique for its extreme height, which historically served as a navigational landmark for ships arriving via the Zwin inlet.
The choir houses several paintings by Pieter Pourbus and other masters of the Bruges School.
Underneath the choir, archaeological excavations have revealed the remains of a previous 9th-century church building.
The church walls contain iron rings once used to tie horses when pilgrims visited the site in the Middle Ages.
The Church of Our Lady in Bruges is globally renowned for housing Michelangelo's marble sculpture, Madonna and Child. Its brick-built tower, reaching 115.6 meters, remains the tallest structure in the city and the second-tallest brick tower in the world. The church features a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, with construction spanning the 13th to 15th centuries. The interior contains the ornate 16th-century tombs of Charles the Bold and his daughter, Mary of Burgundy. The nave, constructed in a distinct Scheldt Gothic style, leads to a choir dating from the 14th century. The church currently functions as both an active religious site and a museum managed by Musea Brugge. The Madonna and Child is the only sculpture by Michelangelo to leave Italy during his lifetime.
From the Bonifacius Bridge for a composition including the church spire and the canal.
Visit the designated museum section to view the Michelangelo sculpture, which is separated from the free-access prayer area.
Look for the funerary hatchments hanging on the walls, which are heraldic displays commemorating deceased nobles.
Use the audio guides provided at the entrance to understand the historical context of the ducal tombs.
Do not attempt to photograph the sculpture using flash, as it is strictly prohibited to protect the artwork.
The area housing the Madonna and Child operates as a museum and requires a separate entrance ticket, occasionally closing for special ceremonies.
Maintain a low voice and respectful demeanor; shoulders and knees should be covered.
