Church of the Blessed Virgin MaryThe construction of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk church, because that's how its Flemish name sounds, was begun in the 1225 year. It was then that the main nave began to be built, built in the style characteristic of the region, so-called Skaldian gothic. The stone imported from Tournai was used for its erection.
The church was created over the course of three centuries, from the 13th to the 16th centuries, which is why it does not represent architecturally one style. In the presbytery and the apse you can see French elements, while the lectorium separating the nave from the presbytery (Paradijsportaal) is already an example of the Brabant Gothic. The church was almost entirely built of brick. Over the centuries, it was rebuilt several times. Its 115,5 meter tower is the second tallest in the world when it comes to churches built of brick, after the tower of the church of St. Marcin's in Landshut, Germany (130,6 m).
Sculptures of the apostles and the great candlestick (standing candle holder, intended for one candle) come from 1618. The oak carved pulpit from 1743 is the work of Jan Antoon Gaeremyn. |
The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary is not the most important in the hierarchy of churches in Bruges (the cathedral is named after the church of St. Salvator), yet it is definitely visited by the most tourists.
What attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists to the church every year is the architecture rich in various styles, and above all the wonderful works of art collected here for centuries.
What attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists to the church every year is the architecture rich in various styles, and above all the wonderful works of art collected here for centuries.
Treasures of the Church of the Virgin Mary
A great picture Madonna of seven sorrows dated for years 1518-1535. Its creator is the artist A. Isenbrandt, born in Bruges. Mary's figure, with her hands folded to prayer, is surrounded by seven cameos showing the cause of her afflictions, i.e. Prophecy of Simeon, Escape to Egypt, Searching for Jesus in the temple, Carrying the Cross, Crucifixion, Descent from the cross, and Putting Jesus to the grave.
Calvary Mountainis a great triptych painted by Bernard van Orley. The creation of this painting was commissioned by Margaret of Austria to commemorate her husband. Eventually, the picture was given to the church unfinished. The work was completed in 1561 a year by Marcus Gerard.
The monstrance is the work of a goldsmith Jean Beaucourt (1725). Its central theme is the crown adorned with magnificent diamonds.
Charles the Bold's tomb can be found in the presbytery, next to the grave of his daughter Mary of Burgundy. Charles the Bold died during the siege of Nancy in 1477 year. It was not until his grandson Charles V, in year 1550, that he decided to bring back the remains and burial of Charles the Bold in the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Bruges.
The works in bronze were made by J.Jonghelink, and stone sculptures are the work of J.Aerts and J. De Smet. Charles the Bold's head is crowned and a helmet and gloves lie in his legs. |
A beautiful tomb of Maria Burgundian (late Gothic), who at the age of 19 got married to the impetuous Maximilian Habsburg. Maria lived only 25 years, she died on 27 March 1482 after falling from a horse while hunting.
Her tomb was made of bronze by R. van Thienen and gilded by P. de Beckere. The statue of Maria is crowned and dogs watch over her feet. The tomb was made of black marble. The side panels of both tombs are decorated with family coats of arms. |
Madonna and Child |
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this beautiful sculpture of Michelangelo is an absolute top among all the works of art gathered in the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is one of the main reasons why hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the church year by year.
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The sculpture made in white marble is the only work of the artist which left Italy during his lifetime. The sculpture was acquired by two merchants Jan and Aleksander from the Moscroen family, who brought her to Bruges in the 1506 year.
The sculpture was made of Carrara marble from Carrara, in the style of the Florentine Renaissance. It is unique not only because of the great craftsmanship of Michelangelo, but also because he broke here with the rule of presenting Mary holding Jesus in her arms. In the case of sculpture Madonna and Child Jesus stands between knees Maria and is held by her hand. The face of the little Jesus is carefree, while Maria is full of anxiety and concern for the further fate of her son. The Madonna of Bruges, because this is also how the sculpture was called, was made in 1503-1505. Art experts note a number of similarities between her and Michelangelo Pietà, previously completed, such as draperies of the dress or the oval face of Maria. Twice the sculpture was stolen. In the 1794 year she was deported to Paris during the French Revolution. She returned to Bruges again after defeating Napoleon. The second time during the Second World War in 1944 during the retreat she was stolen by German soldiers. Eventually, after two years, she returned to the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Bruges, where it can be admired to this day. |
Address:
Mariastraat, 8000 Brugge |
Opening hours:
monday-saturday: 9.30-17.00 sunday: 13.30-17.00 |
Ticket price:
Church: for free Museum: 6 Euro |
Attention:
For several years, conservation works have been carried out in the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Part of the church and some works of art are not available to visitors. The ticket price is reduced during work. Anyone wanting to pray in a church can only move in designated places for prayer. Visiting the entire church and works of art requires the purchase of a ticket.
For several years, conservation works have been carried out in the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Part of the church and some works of art are not available to visitors. The ticket price is reduced during work. Anyone wanting to pray in a church can only move in designated places for prayer. Visiting the entire church and works of art requires the purchase of a ticket.
CORNER OF HOF ARENTS
After sightseeing of the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary it is worth taking a few moments to walk around the charming corner of Hof Arents, located behind the church. Let's see here charming houses on the canal, square with four sculptures Rik Poot Riders of the Apocalypse, and above all a great canal bridge, often appearing in the guidebooks. Bridge St. Bonifacius, although it looks medieval, created in 1910 year. It is part of a house located on the popular for boating channel. It really is a charming place where you can find momentary respite from the hustle and bustle of crowded Bruges. From here you can also do some great photos of the church.
Next to the church of St. Mary there is a magnificent museum Gruuthuse . In the beautiful 15th-century buildings, in the magnificent interiors of the period, an impressive collection of Flemish functional and decorative art was collected. We will find here wonderful sculptures, paintings, silverware, lace, musical instruments, antique instruments or a collection of tapestries. The pearl of the collection is made of oak panels, over five hundred years old chapel.