Brugge Travel Forum

During a recent visit to Brugge we visited the Jerusalem Church. Off the main area is a small room of worship where there is a cross covered by a grille. Within the cross there is a glass panel - does anyone know what is within this panel? Also, up the stairs to the alter, again there are glass panels, this time on the alter. These glass panels have something behind them, does anyone know what these items are? We were unable to get close enough to have a proper look. The guide books and web sites don't seem to give any information.

Relics.
The cross probably contains a particle of 'the' Cross.

Are you sure about the name of the church?

Could it be "the Basilica of the Holy Blood" instead?
If so, you would find all information in your guide book, or on http://www.holyblood.com/EN/0.asp

Regards,
M.

No, these are tow different churches.

http://www.trabel.com/brugge/bruges-jerusalem.htm

I've never been, but there is no other explanation than relics. Since the church was to resemble the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and was built by a merchants' family after a pilgrimage tour to the Holy Land, I'd expect it to own a cross relic.

ooops... "TWO different churches..."

Googled further. "Behind the lower altar is a small space which suggests the tomb of Christ."

Source: http://www.visit-bruges.com/cathedrals-churches/the-jerusalem-church.htm