Holy Blood Basilica. The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a double chapel located in the city of Bruges, on the Burg. Its Museum holds a triptych by an anonymous artist identified as The Master of the Holy Blood. The triptych is a stunning example of early Netherlandish art. It depicts scenes from the Passion of Christ, reflecting the centrality of the Holy Blood relic to the basilica’s history. The central panel features Christ's Crucifixion, surrounded by finely detailed figures and intricate landscapes, while the side panels showcase related moments of Christ's suffering. The work is celebrated for its emotional intensity, meticulous detail, and vibrant use of color, offering visitors a profound connection to the basilica’s spiritual heritage. On the first level is Saint Basil's Chapel, the only fully preserved Romanesque church in West Flanders, dedicated to Saint Basil. This chapel served as the private place of worship for the Counts of Flanders, particularly Diederik van de Elzas, Count of Flanders. Adjacent to Saint Basil's Chapel lies the small Saint Ivo Chapel, which, under the Ancien Régime, was the place of worship for Bruges legal scholars and their association, known as De Sabbatine. Saint Basil's Chapel and Saint Ivo Chapel form the foundation of the Gothic upper chapel, the Holy Blood Chapel, where the relic of the Holy Blood is kept. This relic is carried annually in the Holy Blood Procession on Ascension Day. Originally built in the Romanesque style, the Holy Blood Chapel was renovated in the 15th century in the Gothic style. During the French Revolution, the upper chapel was largely destroyed but was rebuilt between 1819 and 1839, now featuring striking neo-Gothic decoration. The museum in the basilica illustrates the rich history of the Chapel of the Holy Blood and the Holy Blood relic. Its centerpiece is the reliquary of the Holy Blood, crafted in 1617 by Bruges goldsmith Jan Crabbe. Made of approximately 30 kg of gold and silver and adorned with over 100 precious stones, it is a remarkable artifact. Other highlights include a 15th-century silver crown, paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries, six oak medallions by Hendrik Pulinx depicting the life of Christ, and a tapestry from 1637.