St Michael and St Gudula, Brussels Region

St Michael and St Gudula - details and images

This church is located at the hill between the town Treurenberg lower limit and upper. Since the early 11th century there was a church here. In 1047, Duke of Brabant, Lambert II, ordered that the relics of Saint Gudula be moved from St Gorik downtown Brussels in the new church from the hill Treurenberg. Since then St Michael and St Gudula gain greater importance than any other churches in Brussels.

Due to the increasing importance that has gained a first Romanian-style church was renovated in Gothic style in the 13th century. Today the foundation of the first church can still be seen in the crypt of the gothic cathedral. Gothic choir was built between 1226 and 1276 and the nave in the 15th century. Western façade was completed between 1450 and 1490, following the example of French Gothic facades.

With a broad staircase built in 1861, can be reached at the three entrance gates. Inside, 12 pillars clearly delineates the inside, while stained clearly emphasizes the late Gothic style, allowing the church to get more light. The choir is darker because there are smaller windows. In the north chapel, the choir on the right side you can see portraits of several kings and emperors richly decorated stained glass decorating including Fancois I of France, Ferdinand I, Louis of Hungary, Joao III of Portugal.

The choir can see stained glass portraits of leaders such as Maximilian of Austria, Philip the Fair, Charles V, Philip II of Spain, Philibert of Savoy with his wife Margaret of Austria.

Throughout the 20th century, the cathedral was almost always restored. Refurbishment works were completed in December 1999 when the marriage of Belgian Crown Prince Philippe and Crown Princess Mathilde wedding took place here on December 4.

Address:
Sint Goedele voorplein / Parvis Saint Gudule

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