---
title: "Michelangelo's Madonna in Bruges | Chocolate Suites"
url: https://www.chocolatesuites.be/en/journal/church-of-our-lady
description: "One of Michelangelo's few works outside Italy sits in a Bruges church."
lang: en
---

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Landmarks · 4 min · April 1, 2026

# Michelangelo's Madonna: The Sculpture That Wasn't Supposed to Be Here

One of Michelangelo's few works outside Italy sits in a Bruges church.

Image: Michelangelo's Madonna: The Sculpture That Wasn't Supposed to Be Here (https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1769369116461-cac7bb575505?w=800&q=80)

The Church of Our Lady has the tallest brick tower in the world at 115.5 metres. But the real reason to come inside is Michelangelo's Madonna and Child.

In 1504, a wealthy Bruges cloth merchant bought it directly from Michelangelo's workshop in Rome. It's one of the few Michelangelo works outside Italy, and the only one that left during his lifetime.

It's been stolen twice — once by the French revolutionaries, once by the Nazis. Both times it came back.

Entry to the sculpture area costs €7. Prices as of spring 2026; check the official site before you go. While you're there, look for the tombs of Charles the Bold and Mary of Burgundy.

## Where to stay

Dark Chocolate Room: https://www.chocolatesuites.be/en/rooms/chocolate-suite-1
Candy Family Suite: https://www.chocolatesuites.be/en/rooms/chocolate-suite-2
Sweet Chocolate Room: https://www.chocolatesuites.be/en/rooms/chocolate-suite-4
Giant Donut Family Room: https://www.chocolatesuites.be/en/rooms/chocolate-suite-9

See the 10 suites (https://www.chocolatesuites.be/en/rooms)

## More from the Journal

- Minnewater: The So-Called 'Lake of Love' (https://www.chocolatesuites.be/en/journal/minnewater-lake) 4 min
- Bruges After Dark: When the Day Tourists Leave (https://www.chocolatesuites.be/en/journal/bruges-at-night) 4 min
- Belgian Fries: It's Not Just About the Potato (https://www.chocolatesuites.be/en/journal/bruges-fries) 4 min

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