The historic square lies at the heart of the historic center. On three sides it is surrounded by buildings, among which is the 14th-century town hall, Stadhus, the Renaissance Court of Justice and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. There is also a former city archive from the first half of the 16th century, catching the attention with a decorative baroque gate.
The silver tabernacle with the relic of the blood of Christ is kept in the basilica located at the square. It has probably been located here since the mid-twelfth century. Every year, on the feast of the Ascension, there is a procession led by the bishop of Bruges on the square. Since 2009, the Holy Blood Procession has been inscribed on the UNESCO list of intangible heritage.
Until the end of the 18th century, the square was completely surrounded by buildings. In the place that is currently open space, stood the cathedral of St-Donaaskathedraal, then the largest church in the city. In 1799 it was demolished by the French.
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