Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges

Nestled in the heart of Bruges, Belgium, the Basilica of the Holy Blood is a revered church that holds a profound place in the city’s history and religious life. This Romanesque and Gothic architectural jewel is most famous for housing a venerated relic: a cloth stained with what is believed to be the blood of Jesus Christ.

The basilica consists of two chapels stacked atop one another. The lower chapel, dedicated to St. Basil the Great, is a serene space, unadorned and somber, reflecting its 12th-century origins. In stark contrast, the upper chapel, where the relic is kept, showcases a more ornate Gothic style, its interior richly adorned with vibrant stained glass windows and gilded sculptures, a work of art completed in the 16th century.

The story of the Holy Blood relic is steeped in the lore of the Crusades. It is said to have been brought to Bruges by Thierry of Alsace, Count of Flanders, after the Second Crusade in 1149. Since then, the relic has been carefully preserved and is displayed to the public in a grand silver tabernacle. Every year on Ascension Day, the relic is paraded through the streets of Bruges in the Procession of the Holy Blood, a tradition dating back to the 13th century, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.

Visitors to the Basilica of the Holy Blood can explore the chapels and view the relic during its times of exposition. The serene atmosphere of the church provides a place for reflection, while its rich history and the significance of the relic offer a unique glimpse into the spiritual heritage of Bruges.