Church of Our Lady The Church of Our Lady has a long construction history. The first Romanesque church was probably built on this site between 850 and 875 CE. All that remains is a foundation wall. An early gothic nave was added in the 12th century, around which an ambulatory and chapels in the classic French gothic style were built. The church was refurbished and the interior renovated during the subsequent centuries. A chapel is said to have stood on this site before 900 CE. In the centuries that followed, this impressive gothic edifice, with the second tallest brickwork tower in the world, was built here. The church survived fires and was even publicly auctioned during the French Revolution. Throughout this time, the church continued to be a house of prayer and a final resting place for several prominent citizens of Bruges. Anxious to secure their place in the afterlife, they praised God with tomb paintings, memorial scenes and altarpieces, which they commissioned from the best artists. You will discover it all when you explore the church. Along with many other highlights, such as Michelangelo's Madonna, the prayer chapel of Lodewijk of Gruuthuse, and the tombs of Mary of Burgundy and her father Charles the Bold.
