Relic of Jesus Blood – Bruges Holy Blood Belgium
The Basilica of Holy Blood (Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed) is located in Bruges. The basilica has the relic of Jesus Blood. It is also known as Bruges Holy Blood.
The facade has some ornate statues which do attract attention, but then most of the facades there have them. The characters in these are religious personalities I assumed.
Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed Brugge
Relic of the Holy Blood Bruges
The Relic of the Holy Blood, also known as the “Heilig-Bloedbasiliek” (Basilica of the Holy Blood), is a significant religious relic located in Bruges, Belgium. The relic is believed to be a vial containing a small portion of the blood of Jesus.
An interesting legend associated with it goes thus:
Joseph of Arimathea collected drops of blood that fell from the body of Jesus Christ during the Crucifixion. He preserved these sacred drops in a vial. The relic then reportedly journeyed through history, eventually finding its way to Bruges.
Thierry of Alsace, who was the Count of Flanders in the 12th century participated in the Second Crusade and returned to Bruges with the relic of the Holy Blood. He entrusted the relic to the city of Bruges, and it became a symbol of devotion and an object of veneration.
Entrance, Door of Basilica of the Holy Blood Bruges
A procession known as the Procession of the Holy Blood was established to honor the relic. This annual event involves a grand parade through the streets of Bruges, during which the relic is carried through the city in a ceremonial display.
This vessel was brought here from Jerusalem in 1150. It is paraded through the city every year and the residents there take part in the procession dressed as knights and crusaders.
Figure on facade of Basilica of the Holy Blood Bruges
Interior of Basilica of the Holy Blood Bruges
Crossing the door, you need to climb 39 relatively large steps. There are two parts in this basilica; the lower part, St. Basil’s chapel which is very plain and simple, the upper part is more colorful, bright and stunningly beautiful.
Chapel of Saint Basil
The chapel of Saint Basil is one of the best-preserved churches in Romanesque style of West Flanders. The chapel was built from 1134 to 1149 and is dedicated to St. Basil the Great.
Within the right nave, you’ll find a wooden polychrome sculpture from the early 14th century depicting the Madonna and Child, known as “Sedes Sapientiae.” This cherished piece holds a place of prominence. Every year during the procession, two revered wooden statues from around 1900 take center stage. These statues portray Jesus on the Cold Stone and the Pieta, beautifully displayed for all to see.
Bruges Basilica of the Holy Blood
Basilica of Jesus Blood-stained glass window
A silver tabernacle from 1611 houses a sacred vessel that is believed to contain a few drops of Christ’s blood and water washed from the body of Christ by Joseph.
A glass enclosure houses the phial believed to contain the blood of Christ. Devotees place their hands on the glass cover of the sealed altar. It is a divine experience for them. An attendant provides a leaflet and ensures the glass is cleaned for the next visitor.
A sign near the box suggests that you give a donation to help maintain the church.
The holy ambiance around is enriched with soothing music playing in the background. It’s a place where you can take your time to reflect, perhaps even light some candles in the tranquil surroundings of the Basilica.
Sculptures and Paintings in Church
Basilica of the Holy Blood Bruges Tourist Information
IMPORTANT – You can’t take photos of the vial with Jesus’ blood, but you can take photos inside the building. Avoid focussing on the altar.
Address: Burg 13, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Coordinates: 51.208658577315084, 3.22667354602593
Timings: Church visiting hous 10 AM to 5.15 PM. Relic visiting hours are 12 PM to 4 PM.
Tickets: Entry to the church is free. There is a small museum with old collections. Tickets to this museum cost – 2.5 euros.
By Enrique Matías Sánchez – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6039692
Names of the church Basilica of the Holy Blood are Heilig-Bloedbasiliek in Dutch and Basilique du Saint-Sang in French.
This church is definitely worth a visit. The story of the Relic of the Holy Blood is deeply intertwined with Bruges’ cultural and religious heritage, making it a significant and revered aspect of the city’s history and identity.
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looks lovely and much different. the window was so well shot!
Beautiful…
thanks
Vraiment intéressant.
Bravo.
Belle journée,
Roger
Very beautiful place and I love your shots of it.
Oh, how beautiful! That stained glass window is lovely.
Oh, how beautiful! That stained glass window is lovely.
These are great photos and they are indeed excellently shot!
I would like to get to know you more through your posts in the future. Would you like us to follow each other?
Take care 😀
interesting place.
Beautiful photos. Very good catch, I like these gilded carvings. Greetings.
I'm glad you didn't miss this basilica — it's definitely beautiful. Thanks for sharing the interesting history of this site.
Loved the facade architecture!!
Beautifully captured!
Such a beautiful holy place.
Fascinating tour!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
beautiful .. One day i will go there tooo god willing 🙂
Open letter to all Indians-Bikram's
What a beautiful Basilica, the old statues are wonderful. Love the details. Thanks for sharing, have a great day.
Beautiful details.
Beautiful Indrani.
Lovely church, love the stained glass.
Stunning for sure! Love the gold statues and the stained glass.
Gold colored statues in the black stone backdrop is stunning!
Beautiful, old Basilica and fascinating history! I can see why the ornate statues attract attention! Wonderful captures, Indrani! Hope you have a great week!