Attracting pilgrims to Bruges for over eight centuries. It consists of a phial containing what is said to be Christ’s blood,
washed from his body by Joseph of Aramathea after Crucifixion. It was reportedly brought back from Jerusalem in 1149
by Derrick of Alsace, Count of Flanders, who received it in recognition of his heroism during the Second Crusade.
It is displayed to the public every afternoon, for veneration – and an offering.