Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk Photos
Recommended Reviews - Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-DRINK! It sounds like a drinking chant, sorry. Church of Our Lady, the tallest thing in Bruges, unless I'm on my back. Pretty church with brick, marble, smooth stone, bronze, the highlight being Michelangelo's marble Madonna and Child. Aptly, the child was African, just like the singer Madonna. Only this Madonna didn't have a red string around her wrist. Madonna was stolen twice, actually. Three times if you count Lady Gaga.
From a distance, it appears to tower into the sky with what unmodern technology can build, as if a castle from a Hobbit movie. With a stature built centuries ago from the realistic stand point. But still sustained through the centuries. Just an awe to look at and of course take photos of. When you get close to the entrance, all you can see are the lower parts of the walls, by looking up, one cannot see the top portion. That's how tall and wide this church stands. It's only a couple Euros to enter the magnificent church, but the main attraction would be Mary and Christ as a boy (Madonna And Child), the cost is not much to see one of Michelangelo's once stolen works...a crafted part of history. There are paintings along this hall way down to where the actual sculpture is blocked off and can be viewed from about 20 feet away. For a Christian, this church would be very impacting. It is dark in there and it is very gothic in a Catholic kind of way. One can even see a rack of spikes, original style Cilice? Possibly. That is the exhibit. The other side is the actual church with two places to sit and pray. A more private behind doors yet modern section and the open area with candles. I sat, saw and felt. I won't elaborate on any personal religious thoughts or beliefs but an awe inside as it was from a far away standpoint.
Just outside of the main town square, lies one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the area. Being well over 300 ft tall, it's the second largest brickwork tower in the world. The architecture, attention to detail and overall aesthetics are remarkable. It also happens to have one of the only Michelangelo works the Madonna of Bruges inside at the altar. The outside grounds are also beautiful and one of the best approaches is from the bridge going over the canal to the back.
Its 300 ft tall brick tower, the second tallest of the world, illustrates the craftsmanship of the Bruges builders. Since it was Sunday this historic church was closed to the public. Inside we missed art treasures, Michelangelo's world-famous marble Madonna & Child as the absolute highlight. The rich church interior contains numerous paintings, 13th and 14th century painted crypts and the 15th and 16th century tombs of Mary of Burgundy & Charles the Bold. read more
6 years ago
Aside from the Belfort, one of the church towers dominating the Bruges skyline belongs to this church, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary can be found throughout the Benelux region. While this church does not have cathedral status (that's in Antwerp), it has the distinction of housing the only Michelangelo sculpture to make it outside Italy. LOGISTICS - Church is free to enter, but most of the church's main attractions are sequestered from public view. To access this area costs €6. At the time of visit some parts of the church are under construction. - You can buy a combination ticket that also includes the connecting Gruuthusemuseum for €14. This is worth it if you like to deep-dive into Bruges' history. Highlights - 115.5 meter brick tower, second tallest in the world. - Ceremonial tombs of Mary of Burgundy and Charles the Bold, located in the choir. Charles died in battle, while his daughter Mary died in a horse riding accident. - The aforementioned Michelangelo sculpture of Mary and baby Jesus in Carrara marble. The sculpture was originally meant for Siena Cathedral but was purchased by a Bruges merchant family while in Italy, who then shipped it to Bruges. - Wooden prayer chapel meant for the private worship of the family of Louis of Gruuthuse. While the exterior is seen from this church, the interior is accessed through the connecting Gruuthusemuseum. This church is definitely a highlight of one's trip to Bruges, especially if one has been to Italy beforehand and has seen all of Michelangelo's works. read more
Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-DRINK! It sounds like a drinking chant, sorry. Church of Our Lady, the tallest thing in Bruges, unless I'm on my back. Pretty church with brick, marble, smooth stone, bronze, the highlight being Michelangelo's marble Madonna and Child. Aptly, the child was African, just like the singer Madonna. Only this Madonna didn't have a red string around her wrist. Madonna was stolen twice, actually. Three times if you count Lady Gaga. read more
3 years ago
From a distance, it appears to tower into the sky with what unmodern technology can build, as if a castle from a Hobbit movie. With a stature built centuries ago from the realistic stand point. But still sustained through the centuries. Just an awe to look at and of course take photos of. When you get close to the entrance, all you can see are the lower parts of the walls, by looking up, one cannot see the top portion. That's how tall and wide this church stands. It's only a couple Euros to enter the magnificent church, but the main attraction would be Mary and Christ as a boy (Madonna And Child), the cost is not much to see one of Michelangelo's once stolen works...a crafted part of history. There are paintings along this hall way down to where the actual sculpture is blocked off and can be viewed from about 20 feet away. For a Christian, this church would be very impacting. It is dark in there and it is very gothic in a Catholic kind of way. One can even see a rack of spikes, original style Cilice? Possibly. That is the exhibit. The other side is the actual church with two places to sit and pray. A more private behind doors yet modern section and the open area with candles. I sat, saw and felt. I won't elaborate on any personal religious thoughts or beliefs but an awe inside as it was from a far away standpoint. read more
Just outside of the main town square, lies one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the area. Being well over 300 ft tall, it's the second largest brickwork tower in the world. The architecture, attention to detail and overall aesthetics are remarkable. It also happens to have one of the only Michelangelo works the Madonna of Bruges inside at the altar. The outside grounds are also beautiful and one of the best approaches is from the bridge going over the canal to the back. read more
11 years ago
Beautiful cathedral in the heart of Bruges that is truly remarkable to see. Fee was €2 to enter which is nothing to marvel at it's stunning architecture. It's well worth the visit and the crowds. read more
Though seemingly austere on first impression this beautiful church is always on our must do every time we go to Bruges. If there is a fog the massive tower looms out over you as approach from Park Hotel. Overwhelming on entry but you soon become accustomed to it. read more
