Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels

The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula (French: Cathédrale Saints-Michel-et-Gudule; Dutch: Kathedraal van Sint-Michiel en Sint-Goedele) is a medieval Catholic cathedral in central Brussels, Belgium. Construction of the Romanesque church began in the 11th century, replacing an earlier chapel. Completed it in its current Gothic form by the 16th century. Later generations frequently modified the interior. The building contains late-Gothic and Baroque chapels. Nineteenth-century restoration work added neo-Gothic decorative elements, including some stained-glass windows in the aisles. Authorities designated the complex a historic monument in 1936. As Belgium’s national church, it frequently hosts royal weddings, state funerals and other official ceremonies. It also serves as the official seat of the Primate of Belgium. The church hosts the Te Deum on Belgian National Day. Description Most of the Brussels Cathedral is in the Brabantine Gothic style, although some parts are in the newer Baroque style. It is traditionally listed, alongside the Church of Our Lady of the Chapel and the Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon, as one of the three Gothic churches still standing in central Brussels. The building adopts the classic plan: a Latin cross with a three-bay long choir ending in a five-sided apse surrounded by an ambulatory. It is imposing by its sheer size: 110 metres long, 50 metres, and 69 metres high. The cathedral’s exterior is a striking example of Gothic architecture. It has a grand western façade, three portals, and two 64-meter towers. Influenced by both French and Brabantine Gothic styles, the façade emphasizes strong vertical lines, flying buttresses, pinnacles, and decorative sculptures. Additional architectural highlights include the large stained-glass window on the façade, the monumental staircase added in the early 18th century, and several chapels projecting from the choir area. Inside, the nave displays the hallmarks of Brabantine Gothic design, with ribbed vaults, sturdy cylindrical columns, and statues of the twelve apostles created by renowned 17th-century sculptors. The interior also contains important Baroque elements, including an ornate pulpit by Hendrik Frans Verbruggen that depicts scenes of humanity’s fall and redemption. The cathedral is especially renowned for its stained-glass windows, most of which date from the 16th and 17th centuries. Notable examples include the western window depicting the Last Judgement and transept windows portraying Emperor Charles V and members of the Habsburg dynasty. The cathedral also houses a modern pipe organ with 4,300 pipes, a choir organ, and an impressive collection of bells, including a 49-bell carillon used for regular concerts. Opening hours Open daily from 8:00 to 18:00. Free entrance. How to get to? This area is served by Brussels-Central railway station, as well as by Parc/Park metro station on lines 1 and 5 of the Brussels Metro. See also France travel guide Spain travel guide Catalonia travel guide Pyrenees travel guideThe post Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels first appeared on All PYRENEES.