Cathedrale des Saints Michel et Gudule (St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral), Brussels

Cathedrale des Saints Michel et Gudule (St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral), Brussels (must see)

The Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint Gudula on Treurenberg Hill, Brussels, traces its origins to a 9th-century chapel dedicated to Saint Michael. In 1047, Lambert II, the Duke of Brabant, brought the relics of Saint Gudula to this location, for which purpose a Romanesque-style church was built. Over the course of 300+ years, it had transformed into the striking Brabantine Gothic edifice seen today.

Recognized as Belgium's national church, this cathedral plays a pivotal role in the country's ceremonial life, hosting royal weddings and state funerals, as well as the Te Deum celebration during Belgian National Day. A historic monument since 1936, it underwent multiple restorations, including, most recently, in December 1999, just in time for the wedding of Belgian Crown Prince Philippe to Princess Mathilda. These efforts not only preserved but also uncovered parts of the original 11th-century church which are now visible through strategically placed viewing glass spots on the floor.

Architecturally, the cathedral showcases a French Gothic fa莽ade with distinctive twin towers standing 64 meters tall. Unlike traditional designs that feature a rose window, this cathedral鈥檚 fa莽ade is marked by a large ogival window, enhancing its Brabantine Gothic distinction. The robust structure is supported by double-span flying buttresses adorned with pinnacles and gargoyles.

Approaching the cathedral through a grand staircase, visitors are welcomed into the interior dominated by twelve cylindrical pillars and an array of statues crafted by renowned 17th-century sculptors. The Baroque pulpit, featuring 'Adam and Eve Banished from Paradise' by Flemish sculptor Hendrik Frans Verbruggen, dates back to 1699. The cathedral also contains intricate stained glass windows that chronicle biblical and royal narratives from the 16th to the 19th centuries. In the evening, the window at the nave's base, depicting The Last Judgment, is illuminated from within, creating a captivating spectacle.

Adding to its historic ambiance, the cathedral is also a hub for music, housing two significant pipe organs and a 49-bell carillon in the south tower, along with the bourdon bell named Salvator in the north tower. In recent years, it has also become a conservation site for peregrine falcons which made their nests in its towers. This was further highlighted by the "Falcons for everyone" project featuring live-streaming for public viewing, thus marrying natural history with cultural heritage.

Tips:
Upon entering, be sure to pick up a leaflet providing information about the cathedral's history and details. Access is free, but a small fee is charged if you want to see the archaeological site beneath the existing floors inside the building.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Brussels. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 51爆料网 App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Cathedrale des Saints Michel et Gudule (St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral)
Sight Location: Brussels, Belgium (See walking tours in Brussels)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Brussels, Belgium

Create Your Own Walk in Brussels

Creating your own self-guided walk in Brussels is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Chocolate Tour in Brussels

Belgium is considered one of, if not the, best producer of chocolate in the world. The country's capital, Brussels abounds in opportunities to taste more than 2,000 different varieties of this delectable treat. There is a plethora of chocolate shops in the city which offer chocolates of all imaginable shapes, sizes and colors.

Plan猫te Chocolat鈥檚 chocolate-making demonstration make a... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles

The European Quarter Walking Tour

Along with Luxembourg and Strasbourg, Brussels is one of the European Union鈥檚 de facto capitals. The office blocks of the European Quarter are mainly concentrated along and between two wide boulevards 鈥� rue de la Loi and rue Belliard 鈥� which L茅opold II built to connect his Parc du Cinquantenaire with the city center.

Begin your exploration with the EU鈥檚 most symbolic construction, the... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles

Brussels Introduction Walking Tour

Nowadays a major center for international politics, the capital of Belgium, Brussels, is often referred to as the "Crossroads of Europe". Indeed, nestled at the heart of the continent, this city has a history closely linked to that of Western Europe. Repeatedly changing hands between various duchies, empires, republics, and kingdoms, it has evolved from a small rural settlement to an... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles

Mont Des Arts Cultural Walk

Mont des Arts, meaning "hill of the arts", is one of the most important cultural sites in Brussels. A classic among the city鈥檚 vantage points, it offers a fine city garden and restored showcase of architecture, in addition to several great museums.

Start your journey by traveling towards the old part of the city, where you鈥檒l find the BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts, greatly admired... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles

Brussels Historical Churches Walking Tour

As well as being Belgium鈥檚 political and cultural capital, Brussels is the spiritual home of its most significant churches. Historically, the city has been predominantly Roman Catholic, especially since the expulsion of Protestants in the 16th century. The pre-eminent Catholic temple here, located just a couple of minutes from the Grand-Place, is the Brabantine Gothic Cathedral of St. Michael... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles

Brussels Beer Tour

Belgians are not very prone to boasting, except with things such as chocolate, fries and, evidently, beer. They treat beer the way the French treat wine: for the makers, it's a prized art; for the drinkers, it is something to be savored and discussed. They say that, on average, Belgians drink 150 liters of beer per year per person, and one would often see them sipping it from early in the... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles

View all walking tours in Brussels, Belgium

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip

What to Buy in Brussels: 14 Ideas for Travelers

It's no secret that Brussels is not all about JCVD muscles and EU headquarters. Small country as such, Belgium abounds in signature items, such as beer, chocolates and... the peeing boy. All of these have made prime Belgian souvenirs for years. Now you can explore the Brussels gift scene in...

Belgian Beer Tour of Brussels

Belgium is world-renowned for its beers and Brussels is the best city to sample the huge variety of flavors. We'll show you the best places to buy them and to drink them. We'll even show you a family brewery where the liquid gold is produced right in front of your eyes! This tour is meant...