The Church of Our Lady in Bruges is hard to miss: its soaring brick tower rises around 115 metres above the medieval city. Built over several centuries, the church brings together Romanesque and Gothic elements in a spacious interior that rewards a slower look.
Its most celebrated work is Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child, a marble sculpture acquired by a Bruges merchant family in the early 16th century. Seeing the serene figures in the church for which they were destined offers a different experience from encountering them in a museum. Elsewhere, Flemish paintings and richly decorated altarpieces reflect the city’s historic wealth and artistic connections.
In the choir, the elaborate tombs of Charles the Bold and his daughter Mary of Burgundy are among the church’s most striking treasures. Mary died in 1482 after a riding accident, and her gilded effigy is a poignant reminder of Bruges’ place in the Burgundian court’s story.
The museum area containing the Madonna and the tombs requires a ticket, while access to the worship area is generally free. Check opening times before visiting, as services and holidays can affect access; arriving early or later in the afternoon may also help you avoid the busiest tour groups. Pair your visit with the neighbouring Gruuthuse Museum, whose private oratory looks directly into the church.