The Basilica of the Holy Blood

The Basilica of the Holy Blood may be modest in size compared to its grander neighbours, but it never fails to captivate those who pass by. It doesn’t look much like the churches we’re used to. With no bell tower and a dark, understated façade, this unusual church is actually made up of two chapels, one stacked on top of the other. A landmark of Bruges’ historic centre, it has stood here since the 12th century. You’ll usually see a line forming at the entrance—and for good reason. Legend has it that in 1150, Thierry of Alsace, Count of Flanders, returned from Jerusalem carrying a sacred relic: a small vial containing a piece of cloth said to be stained with the blood of Christ, shed during the Crucifixion. That relic became the heart of a deeply rooted tradition, one that helped the church earn the title of “basilica” in 1923. Every year since 1304, on Ascension Thursday, the relic is carried through the streets of Bruges in a grand procession. It’s more than just a ceremony—it’s a powerful expression of faith and history, and in 2009, it was recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. There’s no doubt about it—the Basilica of the Holy Blood is unlike any other sacred site. If you’d like to step inside, entry is free via the staircase on the right. However, you’ll need to buy a ticket for the small museum next door, which tells the full story of the basilica and its relic.