The unusual gray building located at the corner of the square to the right of the Town Hall, with golden statues sparkling on its facade, is the Basilica of the Holy Blood. This is one of the most remarkable and revered places in Belgium.
This small but majestic temple attracts pilgrims and tourists from around the world thanks to the relic it holds — a vial containing a drop of the blood of Jesus Christ.
According to legend, the relic was brought to Bruges in 1150 by the Count of Flanders, Thierry of Alsace, after the Second Crusade. He received it from the Patriarch of Jerusalem as a token of gratitude for his support. The blood, it is said, was collected by Joseph of Arimathea after the crucifixion of Christ and was kept in Byzantium until it was seized by the crusaders.
The basilica consists of two levels: the lower Romanesque Church of St. Basil and the upper chapel, built in Gothic style. The lower part, rough and simple with massive stone vaults, evokes the early centuries of Christianity. The upper chapel, on the other hand, impresses with its beauty and elegance. Its interiors are decorated with vibrant stained glass windows and gilded ornaments.
The golden statues on the facade of the Basilica were added during the reconstruction and decoration of the upper chapel in the 19th century. They depict:
Christ in the center as the central figure of Christianity.
The Virgin Mary and John the Baptist on either side, highlighting their importance in the Christian tradition.
Thierry of Alsace and his wife Sibylla of Anjou, who played a key role in bringing the relic to Bruges.
Every year on Ascension Day, Bruges hosts the famous Procession of the Holy Blood. This celebration dates back to the 13th century and is a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. During the procession, the relic is carried through the streets of the city in an ornate box. Thousands of people dressed in historical costumes participate in the procession, reenacting scenes from the Bible and the history of Bruges.
The relic has a mysterious legend. It is said that the blood in the vessel sometimes "comes to life," turning from solidified to liquid. This phenomenon, recorded by pilgrims over the centuries, remains unexplained.
The Basilica of the Holy Blood plays a significant role in the history and life of the city. It symbolizes Bruges' rich spiritual tradition and its role as a center of Christian culture in the Middle Ages.
Today, the basilica is not only a place of religious worship but also a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can see the relic itself, which is kept in an elaborately decorated reliquary, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the temple.
Visiting the basilica is free, and the museum entry is about 5 euros.
