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Church · Bruges, Flandres Ocidental
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk
Church with a 115-metre brick tower, the tallest in Bruges. It houses the Madonna and Child, a marble sculpture by Michelangelo, and the tombs of Charles the Bold and Mary of Burgundy.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk
The brick tower of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk is about 115 metres tall and is the highest structure in Bruges, visible from almost the entire city. The church was built and extended between the 13th and 15th centuries.
The best-known work inside is the Madonna and Child, a marble sculpture by Michelangelo made in the early 16th century. It was bought in Italy by two merchant brothers from Bruges, Jan and Alexander Mouscron, and donated to the church in 1514. It was one of the few works by Michelangelo to leave Italy during his lifetime.
In the choir are the mausoleums of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, and his daughter Mary of Burgundy, who died young after a fall from a horse. A high window in the nave belongs to the Gruuthuse family’s private chapel, built in 1482 and connected to the neighbouring palace.
Entry to the church nave is free. The area that houses the Madonna and the tombs operates as a museum, with an admission fee.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes for the nave, the Madonna and the choir with the tombs.
Best time
On weekdays in the morning. On Sundays the museum opens only in the afternoon, and the church closes on Ascension Day and may close for weddings and funerals; check before you go.
How to get there
It is located between the Markt and the Begijnhof, about a 10-minute walk from each and 15 minutes from Brugge station.
Tip
Look for the window of the Gruuthuse chapel high above, next to the choir: from there the family could attend mass without leaving the house.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk
Where is Michelangelo’s Madonna in Bruges?
In the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, in the part of the church that operates as a museum, next to the choir.
Do you have to pay to enter the church?
The nave has free admission. The area of the Madonna and the tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy requires a ticket.