Overview:

The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a basilica located in the Belgian city of Bruges, in the Flanders region of Belgium. Built in the 12th century, the church is said to house a relic of the Holy Blood allegedly collected by Joseph of Arimathea, and brought to Bruges in 1150 by Thierry of Alsace, Count of Flanders. The relic is kept in the chapel of the church and is brought out during a religious procession on each Ascension Day and on other religious occasions. The Basilica has a Romanesque-Gothic design, and is noted for its stained glass windows and its red brick facade. It is considered an important religious and cultural landmark of Bruges, and is a popular tourist attraction in the city. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belgium
Prominent Features:

• 12th century relic of a vial containing a cloth that is said to have been steeped in the very blood of Jesus – regarded by Christians as a relic of the utmost importance. • One of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a popular attraction for pilgrims, tourists, and locals alike. • Features a Baroque chapel built by the Jesuits in 1732, where the holy relic is on display. • Built on a medieval settlement, the basilica is located in the old Burg or citadel of Bruges, surrounded by majestic houses, intriguing alleys and cobbled streets. • The interior of the chapel is adorned with many works of art, including paintings, sculpture, and carvings. • A single Mass is held here each weekend – making it one of the most spiritual spots in the entire country. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belgium.

History:

The Basilica of the Holy Blood (Heilige Bloed Basiliek in Dutch) was built between 1134 and 1157 in a Romanesque and Gothic style in Bruges, Belgium. The relic of the Holy Blood is said to have been brought from the Holy Land by Thierry of Alsace during the 12th century. He built the chapel as the shrine to house the relic, which became an important destination for pilgrims. The relic is said to be the cloth of a Veronica, said to have been used to wipe Jesus' face. In 1845 a restoration began which replaced much of the Romanesque and Gothic architecture with a more modern interior. In 1912, a major renovation added a large marble staircase with maroon tiled columns and a grand marble altar, as well as a bronze gate at the entrance of the chapel. The basilica still houses the relic of the Holy Blood and is an important pilgrimage destination. Every year, crowds of people come to pray and view the relic. The basilica also holds various events, concerts, and masses throughout the year. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belgium with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Basilica of the Holy Blood is located in the historical centre of Bruges, Belgium, and is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. 2. The original 12th-century church was replaced in the mid-18th century by the current neo-Gothic structure, although the lower part of the tower and some other elements date back to the original building. 3. The Basilica houses a large gold vial containing a supposedly holy piece of cloth believed to have been used to cover a piece of the actual cross upon which Jesus was crucified. 4. The cloth, known as the 'Holy Blood of Jesus', is the relic of a vial that was presented to the Count of Flanders, Thierry of Alsace, in 1149 during the Second Crusade. 5. The Relic of the Holy Blood serves as the focal point of Bruges' annual Procession of the Holy Blood, a religious event where the relic is paraded throughout the streets in a grand procession. 6. The Basilica of the Holy Blood also houses a permanent exhibition, offering visitors an insight into its rich Episcopal history and devotions. 7. The ornately carved reliquary of the relic is open during certain religious services and on Pater Noster (the Lord's Prayer) Wednesday, between 8 and 9 a.m. 8. The Basilica's exquisite interior also features detailed frescoes, decorative stucco sculptures, statues, stained glass windows, and an authentic 18th-century organ. One of the historical monuments of Belgium, it tells the story of a bygone era