In the 12th century, Thierry of Alsace returned from the Second Crusade to Bruges with something valuable. To set the city under the eternal protection of God, he brought a priceless relic from Jerusalem – drops of blood of Christ (it is assumed that Joseph wiped the blood from the body of Christ with sheep's wool). The relic is kept in a crystal tube, inside which there is a vessel made of rhinestone, sealed with sealing wax and tied with gold thread. Thierry of Alsace built a chapel for the sake of storing the shrine. Today its territory is occupied by the Basilica of the Holy Blood. A small church seems to be slightly lost in the background of the lush facades of the buildings of the Burg Square. A small gray construction with balconies framed by golden figures can be found in one of the square corners.

The basilica consists of two parts. The below one, devoted to St. Basil, was built in the 12th century in the Roman style. It is always semi-dark, the finishing is austere and radically differs from the second floor where you can get to by a wide staircase. The second floor is made in the Late Gothic style (15th century) and impresses with its brightness and elegance. The decor was enriched for many centuries, but it looks like it was created by several architects. Stained-glass windows let in streams of soft light, which covers everything: the altar, the wall paintings, and the sculptures. The raca, which is decorated with cameos, precious stones, and figurines of angels, is also kept there. The shrine is stored in it.

Since 1291, the ceremony of taking out the Holy Blood has been held every May. The raca is carried around the city. The colorful procession lasts for several hours. Citizens put on the medieval costumes and take part in it. The whole procession is accompanied by music, songs, and theatrical performances.

You can venerate the shrine in the upper part of the basilica. Priests open access to the raca several times a day (the schedule is on the website). Everyone can take a look at the relic, touch it with their hands or with their lips. After that, everyone is given a booklet with a prayer in 12 languages and a photo of the crystal vial.

The entrance to the basilica is free. On the first floor, you can light a candle after dropping any amount of money into the donation box. Making a donation before venerating the shrine in the Gothic part of the basilica is considered to be a good manner.