"Michelangelo Sculpture in the Church" Statues / Murals / Memorials Tip by ct-bound

There is an absolutely breathtaking marble statue of Mary with Child, in one of the Catholic churches in Brugge. Funny story (what is a Michelangelo doing in Belgium?)...

Apparently the pope of the age commissioned a Madonna and child sculpture, but stipulated that there be 'No Nudity' shown. In the final sculpture, Mary is appropriately covered up, but the baby is naked in his swaddling cloth. The pope refused the sculpture! A Belgian visiting Italy at the time got wind of this, contacted Michelangelo, and bought the statue from him, shipping it to Brugge.

During the rule of Napoleon, the French troops took the town, and brought the statue with them back to Paris. Later, though, during peacetime, Brugge had Mary returned to them, and she's been there ever since.

Located in Our Lady's Church, in Brugge. I believe admission into the church is free.