Church of Our Lady

The Church of Our Lady is a Catholic church located in the ancient city of Bruges. It, like the city, dates back to the Middle Ages, and is to this day the tallest structure in Bruges. It dominates any photograph taken of the city’s historical center, and is one of the most picturesque churches in Belgium. The Church of Our Lady is also home to a sculpture of the Madonna and Child, done in white marble by Michelangelo in the very early 1500s. The sculpture, in addition to being a beautiful piece, has had a colorful history, and is well worth seeing on both accounts: It was originally intended for another cathedral in Italy, but was bought by merchants from Bruges and brought to the church. It was also taken as a treasure of war by the French in the late 1700s and the Germans during World War II. In addition to the sculpture, the church, built in the classic Gothic style, is home to some lovely paintings and tapestries, some of which are popularly believed to be the works of such artistic heavyweights as van Dyck and Caravaggio, though there is still some question as to their origins. The church is open to the public daily, and the lovely spire is illuminated from the base at night, which makes is beautiful to look at and photograph.

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