Church of Our Lady, Bruges (must see)

The Church of Our Lady is one of Brugge's finest Gothic landmarks. Construction began during the 13th century and continued for more than two hundred years, resulting in a harmonious blend of Early and High Gothic architecture. Its elegant brick tower rises 379 feet, making it the tallest building in Brugge.

The church's exterior is distinguished by pointed Gothic windows, and graceful flying buttresses, while the spacious interior is characterized by lofty columns, ribbed vaults, and a remarkable collection of medieval and Baroque artworks. Although the architecture is predominantly Gothic, many of the furnishings, including altars, confessionals, and monuments, date from the Baroque period.

Behind the high altar lie the magnificent tombs of Charles the Bold, the last Valois Duke of Burgundy, and his daughter, Mary of Burgundy. Their richly decorated black marble tombs are topped with gilded bronze effigies. Charles is depicted wearing full armor, while Mary is shown in ceremonial dress with a crown. The church's greatest treasure is Michelangelo's Madonna and Child, carved from white Carrara marble around 1501–1504. To find it, from the nave, walk toward the choir and look for the chapel on the right-hand, or southern, side of the church. Purchased by the wealthy Bruges merchants Jan and Alexander Mouscron, it became the only sculpture by Michelangelo to leave Italy during the artist's lifetime.

The sculpture has had a remarkable history. It was seized by French Revolutionary troops in 1794 and returned after Napoleon's defeat. During the Second World War, it was stolen again by the Nazis in 1944 before being recovered by the Allied "Monuments Men" and returned to Brugge after the war.

The church also houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Among the highlights are Pieter Pourbus's The Last Supper and The Adoration of the Shepherds, Gerard David's The Transfiguration, richly carved choir stalls, medieval tombs, and numerous religious monuments. Much of this collection forms part of the adjoining museum, which occupies the eastern part of the church itself, particularly the transepts, choir, ambulatory, and surrounding chapels.