St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral

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

Due to the increasing importance that has gained a first Romanian-style church was renovated in Gothic style in the 13th century. Nowadays foundation first church can still be seen in the Gothic cathedral crypt. 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 stained glass inside while clearly worse late Gothic church allowing more light to enter. Choir is dark because there are smaller windows. In the north chapel, on the right side of the choir can see portraits of several kings and emperors who decorates stained richly decorated including Fancois I of France, Ferdinand I of Hungary Louis Joao III of Portugal.

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

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

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