Month: November 2012

The St. Michael and the St. Gudula Cathedral is an impressive cathedral that we think you must visit during your stay at our hotel near by Avenue Louise. Located at twenty minute walk from the Pantone hotel, this cathedral will not only offer you a great visit to this important Belgian monument but also a welcome excuse to get some fresh air in the city center of Brussels which, is already glowing because of the numerous Christmas markets and the Christmas decorations throughout Brussels city center.

The St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Church at the Treurenberg Hill in Brussels. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic diocese of Malines-Brussels, the national church of Belgium and it is here that royal weddings and funerals take place. In French, it is called Cathédrale Saints-Michel-et-Gudule and in Dutch Sint-Michiels- en Sint-Goedelekathedraal, usually shortened to “Sint-Goedele”. Click here to see how to get there from our hotel.

Victor Hugo described this gothic marvel as the “purest flowering of the Gothic style”. Upon entering the church, you’ll understand why. The interior of the Cathedral is not as decorated as you might expect of a Gothic Cathedral. The simplicity of the decoration, however, allows you to appreciate the beauty of Gothic architecture. Your attention will immediately be drawn to the building’s stunning columns and arches.

The origin of the name of this church dates back to 1047, when Lambert II, Count of Leuven founded a chapter in this church and organized the transportation of the relics of Saint Gudula. Originally the relics housed in Saint Gaugericus Church on Saint-Géry Island. In the thirteenth century, the cathedral was renovated and received its Gothic style. The choir was constructed between 1226 and 1276. The façade was completed in the mid-fifteenth century. A thorough restoration of the cathedral was carried out between 1983 and November 1999. Remains of a Romanesque church were discovered, as well as a Romanesque crypt under the choir.

The patron saints of the church, Archangel St. Michael and the martyr St. Gudula, are also the patron saints of the city of Brussels.

We also shortly would like to virtually walk you through the church. Right above the West Front you’ll find the impressive judgment window, donated by Empire Charles V in the fifteenth century. The brightness of the colors of these glasses will amaze you. Moving to the end of the cathedral you’ll find the beautiful 18th century Baroque Pulpit, sculptured in wood by Henri-Francois Verbruggen.

This obviously is only a brief description of this incredible cathedral. Below you’ll find all the information need to visit.

Cathedral

Opening times:

• Monday to Friday: 7 am to 6 pm
• Saturday: 8.00 am to 6 pm (visits from 8.00 am to 3.30 pm only)
• Sunday: 8.00 am to 6 pm (visits from 2 pm only)

Entrance fee: free

Romanesque remains

Opening times:

• Open every day from 8 am to 6 pm

Entrance fee: 1 euro (groups: 0,75 euro per person)

Romanesque crypt

Opening times:

• Open on request only via A.C.T./C.D.T.B. Tel & fax: 02/219.68.34
• Visits in small groups (max 10 pers.)
• Entrance fee: 2,50 euros

The Cathedral Treasure

Opening times:

• Monday to Friday: 10 am – 12.30 pm and 2 pm – 5 pm
• Saturday: 10 am -> 3.00 pm
• Sunday: 2 pm – 5 pm

Entrance fee:

• Adults: 1 euro (children: free)
• Schools: 5 euros
• Groups: 10 euros (min 10 pers.)

For free guided tours: please contact A.C.T./C.D.T.B, tel& fax: 02/219.68.34
Secretary: Rue du Bois Sauvage 15 – 1000 Brussels – Tél.: 02/217.83.45 – Fax: 02/219.96.55