SACRED BLOOD BASILICA

Out and about with Saint Basil.

At the site where there was surely a fortification against the Normans as early as the mid-9th century, stands the Saint Basil Church. The lower church was built during the first half of the 12th century by Count Diederik of Alsace in pure Romanesque style as a count's chapel. The upper church, from the same period and initially in Romanesque style, was completely destroyed during the French Revolution (end of the 18th century) and rebuilt in neo-Gothic style in the 19th century. The lower church is considered a rare example in Flanders of pure Romanesque style.

In the upper basilica, the relic of the Blood of Jesus Christ (Holy Blood) is kept. The oldest preserved mention of the relic in the Saint Basil Church dates back to 1255. In 1923, both churches were elevated to Basilica status. Since 1304, the relic of the Holy Blood has been carried annually in a solemn procession through the streets of the city. This procession was recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2009. The centuries-old veneration of the relic is still very much alive and is entrusted to the Noble Brotherhood of the Holy Blood, a brotherhood founded shortly before 1405 composed of 31 prominent Bruges residents. This brotherhood also manages the small museum featuring important artworks related to the veneration of the Holy Blood, located next to the Upper Basilica.

Opening hours:
Every day: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(November 15 - March 31: closed on Wednesday afternoons except during school vacations)

Eucharistic celebrations:
Every day (not on Thursday): 11:00 AM

Stichting Open Kerken