Although it is the national church of Belgium. Cathedrale Sts-Michel-et-Gudule was granted cathedral status only in 1962. It was built with a sandy limestone brought from the local quarries and is one of the finest surviving examples of Brabant Gothic Gothic architecture
There has been a church on the site of the cathedral since at least the 11th century. Work began on the Gothic cathedral in 1226 under Henry I, Duke of Brabant, and was finally completed 300 years later at the begining of the 16th century, under the reign of Charles V. It was dedicated to the city’s patron saints, archangel Michael and a local 8th-century pious woman, St Gudule.*
The pillars of the nave are decorated with statues of the 12 apostles.
Click on photo for a short video.
*From Belgium and Luxembourg Eyewitness guide.
what a beautiful presentation inside and out Cherie… it would take me a week to post this many images….peter:)
I take too many photos and can’t choose between them
I hadn’t heard of St. Gudule before, Cherie
Neither had I
Because of you, Cherry, we often put things on our list to see, especially when it comes to Belgium, so close by. THANK YOU!
I am happy that I give you inspiration
Been to this one too
beautiful shots. i loved your text. imagine the construction taking 300 years today.
Not many buildings are given such detailed consideration these days.
Hello CherryPie, what an amazing cathedral . Always amazes me how they made them all those years ago. It is the scale and the architecture that has me in awe. thanks for sharing.
It always makes me wonder how they knew such craftsmanship that would allow the buildings to remain standing for so long.