Basilica of Dadizele

Dadizele has been a well-known pilgrimage site since the 15th century – pilgrims go there to worship the alabaster statue of Our Lady with child.
In 1854, the Vatican proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. To celebrate this, Monsignor Malou, the Bishop of Bruges, wants to build a monumental church for his entire diocese. Dadizele is chosen, and construction of the neo-Gothic building begins in 1857. In 1882, Pope Leo XIII granted the church the status of basilica: alongside the Holy Blood Chapel in Bruges, the only basilica in the diocese.
The basilica is still heavily visited during the pilgrimage months of May and September.

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