The Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk) is a Gothic church built mostly between the 13th and 15th centuries, whose roughly 115.5-metre brick tower dominates the Bruges skyline and is one of the tallest brick church towers in the world. It is world-famous for housing Michelangelo's white-marble 'Madonna and Child' (c. 1504) - the only sculpture by the artist to leave Italy during his lifetime - alongside the ornate tombs of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, and his daughter Mary of Burgundy. As of 2026 the church nave can be entered free of charge, while the museum area (the choir with the Madonna and the tombs) requires a ticket. It pairs naturally with the adjacent Gruuthuse Museum for a half-day of Bruges' historic centre.
Michelangelo's 'Madonna and Child' - a white Carrara-marble sculpture set in a black marble niche in the south aisle; the only Michelangelo work to leave Italy in his lifetime.
The gilded bronze tomb effigies of Charles the Bold and Mary of Burgundy in the choir; excavations in 1979 confirmed Mary is actually buried here.
The roughly 115.5-metre all-brick tower - a landmark visible across the city and among the tallest brick church towers anywhere.
The choir's painting collection, including the Passion Triptych by Bernard van Orley.
Medieval religious art such as the private oratory of Louis de Gruuthuse (1470), painted burial crypts and stained glass.
Good to know
RulesEntry to the church nave is free, but the museum section with the Madonna, tombs and paintings requires a separate ticket. The Madonna sits behind glass in its niche, so close approach is limited.
MannersThis is an active place of worship. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), keep quiet indoors, expect restricted viewing during services, and never touch the artworks.
SeasonBruges is extremely crowded in July-August and during the Christmas market period. Arrive right at opening or book tickets in advance to cut waiting time.
CautionBeware third-party reseller sites charging above face value. Buy from the official Musea Brugge website, the on-site box office, or the Gruuthuse combo ticket.
SafetyBruges is generally safe, but keep an eye on belongings around the crowded Markt, canal areas and ticket queues; pickpocketing occurs occasionally in peak season.
MannersAvoid flash and tripods when photographing indoors, and be considerate of worshippers and other visitors; don't block the narrow choir passages.
Practical info
The church is on Mariastraat in Bruges' historic centre, about a 20-minute walk from Bruges railway station or a short ride on a De Lijn city bus to the 'Brugge O.L.V.-kerk' stop. Hours are generally Mon-Sat 09:30-17:00 with a Sunday afternoon opening, and the museum/choir closes earlier, so check before visiting. Adult museum admission is about €10, €9 for ages 18-25, €5 for ages 13-17, and free for under-13s, with a Gruuthuse combo ticket and a 72-hour Musea Brugge Card also available. Please confirm the latest prices and hours on the official website.
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