The Madonna Of Bruges Was Found By The Monuments Men In A Salt Mine
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Constructed by Michaelangelo between 1501 and 1504, the Madonna of Bruges was brought to Belgium by merchants. The sculpture remained there until 1944 when German forces stole the piece while retreating from Belgium. To hide it, they surrounded Madonna with mattresses and used a Red Cross truck for transport.
One year later, the Madonna of Bruges was found by the Monuments Men in the salt mines in Altaussee. They returned it to Belgium, where it was put back in its place at the Church of Our Lady in Bruges.
