Holy Blood Basilica.

This is in fact a double chapel. At ground level is one of the very few remaining Romanesque structures in Flanders. It was built in the 12^th century and has kept its early character.

The Counts of Flanders took an active part in the Crusades, the wars to free the Holy Land. As we buy souvenirs nowadays, the nobles taking part in the Crusades brought back relics, the remains of saints or martyrs, which were then venerated in churches. Because Christ ascended with his body into heaven, no remains were available, and relics were materials produced by his body, such as his blood and sweat. Quite famous is the Turin Shroud, which has recently been the subject of indecisive scientific studies of its authenticity.

The count of Flanders brought back the relic of the Holy Blood, which of course made his chapel quite famous. The relic was in high esteem in medieval times. Till today it is venerated every Friday and borne through the streets of Bruges on Ascension Day in may. The relic is kept in the chapel on the first floor which was rebuilt in the 19th century in neo-gothic style. It is shown on the picture.

The "Discover Bruges" program includes a visit the ground level chapel. An interesting  outside site has more information on these two chapels.