Basilica of the Holy Blood
Vlaamse Gewest
The Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges, Belgium, is a unique Roman Catholic basilica renowned for housing a relic believed to be the blood of Jesus Christ, brought from the Holy Land by Thierry of Alsace, Count of Flanders, in the 12th century. The basilica consists of two chapels: the lower Chapel of St. Basil, a well-preserved Romanesque structure dating from the 12th century, and the upper Chapel of the Holy Blood, originally Romanesque but rebuilt in Gothic style in the 15th century and later renovated in the 19th century in Gothic Revival style. The lower chapel served as the private chapel for the Counts of Flanders and contains notable artworks including a 14th-century polychrome wooden Madonna and Child statue and relics of St. Basil and Blessed Charles the Good. The upper chapel is the shrine for the precious relic and features a richly decorated interior with stained-glass windows depicting Flemish sovereigns and a monumental late Gothic and Renaissance staircase adorned with statues of historical figures connected to the relic. The basilica is not only a place of religious veneration but also a cultural treasure showcasing centuries of Flemish art and architecture. It remains a focal point for the annual Heilig Bloedprocessie (Procession of the Holy Blood), a major religious event in Bruges.
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Astuce: Visit the basilica between 10:00 and 17:15 daily, avoiding closures in mid-January. Religious services may limit access, so plan accordingly. Entrance to the basilica is free, but the museum and treasury require a ticket. The best time to visit is during the annual Holy Blood procession on Ascension Day for a unique cultural experience. Booking tickets for special events or concerts in advance is recommended. Discounts are available for children under 12 for museum access.
Faits intéressants
- •The basilica houses a relic of the Holy Blood, believed to be collected by Joseph of Arimathea and brought to Bruges by Thierry of Alsace during the Second Crusade.
- •The lower chapel is one of the best-preserved Romanesque churches in West Flanders.
- •The monumental staircase leading to the upper chapel features gilded bronze statues of notable historical figures including Archduchess Isabelle of Burgundy and Thierry of Alsace.
- •The relic is paraded annually in the Heilig Bloedprocessie, a major event in Bruges attracting thousands of visitors.
- •The relic’s shrine was crafted in 1617 by Bruges goldsmith Jan Crabbe, using about 30 kilograms of gold and silver and adorned with over 100 precious stones.
Histoire
The basilica was originally constructed between 1134 and 1157 as the private chapel of the Count of Flanders, Thierry of Alsace, who brought the relic of the Holy Blood from the Holy Land around 1150.
The lower chapel, dedicated to St.
Basil, is a rare example of Romanesque architecture in West Flanders and has remained largely unchanged.
The upper chapel was rebuilt in Gothic style in the late 15th century and underwent significant neo-Gothic renovations in the 19th century following damage during the French Revolution.
In 1923, the church was elevated to the status of a minor basilica.
Over the centuries, it has served both religious and civic functions and continues to be a prominent religious site in Bruges.
Guide du lieu
Chapel of St. Basil12th century
This lower chapel, built between 1134 and 1149, is a rare example of Romanesque architecture and was the private chapel of the Counts of Flanders. It contains a 14th-century polychrome wooden statue of the Madonna and Child and relics of St. Basil and Blessed Charles the Good. The chapel’s tympanum depicts the baptism of Saint Basil.
Chapel of the Holy Blood15th and 19th centuries
The upper chapel, originally Romanesque, was rebuilt in Gothic style in the 15th century and renovated in the 19th century in Gothic Revival style. It houses the relic of the Holy Blood and features mural decorations, stained-glass windows depicting Flemish rulers, and a large wall painting illustrating the relic’s journey from Jerusalem to Bruges.
Monumental Staircase (De Steegheere)16th century
Built between 1529 and 1533 in late Gothic and Renaissance style, this staircase leads to the upper chapel and is adorned with gilded bronze statues of historical figures linked to the relic and Bruges’ history.
Museum and TreasuryVarious
The museum located within the basilica showcases the rich history of the relic and the basilica itself, featuring the ornate 1617 relic shrine made by Jan Crabbe, a 15th-century silver crown donated by Mary of Burgundy, paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries, and other religious artifacts.
Contact
Téléphone: 050 33 67 92