Things to Do at Basilica of the Holy Blood

Complete Guide to Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges

About Basilica of the Holy Blood

The Basilica of the Holy Blood is one of those places that manages to be both intimate and extraordinary at the same time. Tucked into a corner of Bruges' main square, this double-level chapel houses what's claimed to be a relic of Christ's blood, brought back from the Crusades in the 12th century. The lower chapel, dedicated to St. Basil, feels authentically Romanesque with its heavy stone columns and dim lighting - you get a real sense of stepping back nearly a thousand years. What makes this place particularly fascinating is how it actually functions as two completely different churches stacked on top of each other. The upper chapel, where the relic is kept, was rebuilt in Gothic style and feels much more ornate and colorful. Every Friday, and daily during certain periods, they bring out the crystal vial containing the relic for veneration. Good for those religious or not, there's something genuinely moving about watching pilgrims who've traveled from around the world to see this small vessel.

What to See & Do

The Sacred Relic

The crystal vial containing what's believed to be Christ's blood, displayed for veneration on Fridays and during special periods. Even skeptics tend to find the ceremony surprisingly moving.

Lower Chapel of St. Basil

A beautifully preserved 12th-century Romanesque chapel with thick stone columns and an atmosphere that feels genuinely medieval. It's often quieter than the upper level.

Upper Chapel

The more ornate Gothic chapel where the relic is housed, featuring colorful stained glass, intricate woodwork, and a much more decorative feel than the lower level.

Treasury Museum

A small but impressive collection of religious artifacts, including elaborate reliquaries and the ornate shrine used to carry the relic during the annual Procession of the Holy Blood.

Gothic Revival Details

The 19th-century restoration work throughout the upper chapel, which some find overly ornate but actually gives you insight into how medieval churches might have looked when freshly painted and decorated.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Generally open daily 9:30am-12:00pm and 2:00pm-5:00pm, though hours can vary seasonally and for religious services. The relic veneration typically happens Fridays 2:00pm-3:00pm.

Tickets & Pricing

Entry to the basilica is free, though there's usually a small fee (around €2-5) for the treasury museum. No advance booking needed.

Best Time to Visit

Friday afternoons if you want to see the relic ceremony, or early morning on weekdays when it tends to be quieter. The lighting in the lower chapel is particularly atmospheric in the late afternoon.

Suggested Duration

About 30-45 minutes if you take your time with both chapels and the museum, though you could easily spend just 15 minutes if you're in a hurry.

Getting There

You'll find the basilica on Burg Square. That's a two-minute walk from the more famous Market Square, and about 15 minutes on foot from Bruges train station through the city center. Just follow the historic center signs. The entrance is small. It's tucked into the square's corner, so don't expect some grand cathedral facade-this isn't that kind of building. Most visitors take the hour-long train from Brussels or other Belgian cities. The historic center is walkable from the station.

Things to Do Nearby

Bruges City Hall
Right across the square, this Gothic building has one of the most ornate facades in the city and offers guided tours of its historic chambers.

Market Square and Belfry
The iconic central square with its famous bell tower is just around the corner - you can climb the belfry for panoramic views of the city.

Bruges Museum Complex
Several small museums clustered around Burg Square, including the Liberty of Bruges museum, which you can often visit on a combined ticket.

Canal Tours Departure Point
One of the main boat tour departure points is just a few steps away - a nice way to see the city from water level after visiting the basilica.

Wollestraat Shopping Street
The main pedestrian shopping street connecting the two squares, lined with chocolate shops, lace stores, and cafes - perfect for browsing after your visit.

Tips & Advice

The lower chapel is often overlooked by visitors rushing to see the relic upstairs, but it's actually the more historically authentic space and worth spending time in.

If you're interested in the relic ceremony, arrive a few minutes early on Friday afternoons as it can get quite crowded, especially during tourist season.

The treasury museum is small but genuinely interesting - the elaborate reliquary shrine gives you a sense of how important this relic has been to the city for centuries.

Photography is generally not allowed inside, particularly near the relic, so be respectful of the signs and other visitors who may be there for religious reasons.