The Church of Our Lady of Bruges

Towering above the city with its 122-metre spire, the Church of Our Lady of Bruges is a must-see stop on your visit, and impossible to miss. Construction began in the year 744, back when a Romanesque church stood on this site. That original structure may be long gone, but its legacy lives on in the current building, which echoes the previous church’s Gothic style. Originally a modest chapel in the 9th century, the church has one particularly distinct feature: it was built using a rare and locally sourced stone found almost exclusively in Belgium—Tournai blue limestone. Take a look at the eastern façade and you’ll notice the beautiful stonework used to highlight and decorate the church’s most noble features. Every detail speaks of the city’s former wealth, deep faith, and the craftsmanship of Bruges’ medieval builders. The interior was restored in the 17th century, revealing the rich Baroque era—especially in the altars and confessionals. Entry to the museum requires a ticket, but you’re free to visit the church itself, which houses one of its greatest treasures: Michelangelo’s Virgin and Child, sculpted in the early 16th century. Go ahead and take this rare opportunity to step inside one of the tallest brick buildings in the world!