The cathedral is the site of the royal wedding of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, which took place in 1999.
The stained glass in the transepts was created by Bernard van Orley, a renowned court painter to the Habsburgs.
Beneath the floor of the cathedral, visitors can access an archaeological crypt containing Romanesque ruins.
The cathedral houses a notable 17th-century baroque pulpit carved from oak, depicting the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden.
The exterior is decorated with 16 statues representing saints, which replaced original figures destroyed during the French Revolution.
The 'Grand Organ' contains over 4,000 pipes and was inaugurated in 2000.
The bell tower, known as the 'Gabriel,' houses a carillon of 49 bells.
The cathedral is aligned on an east-west axis, with the choir pointing towards the sunrise, a traditional feature of medieval church design.
St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral is a Brabantine Gothic landmark situated on the Treurenberg hill in Brussels. While construction began in the 13th century, it was completed in the 16th century under Charles V. It serves as the co-cathedral of the Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels and the site of national royal ceremonies. The structure is built primarily from Lede stone, known for its warm, golden hue. Its twin towers rise 64 meters, flanking a massive western facade that features elaborate tracery. The interior houses significant Renaissance-era stained glass windows, notably those gifted by Mary of Hungary and John III of Portugal. The cathedral was elevated to its current status in 1962. Archaeological excavations beneath the choir have revealed the remnants of the original 11th-century Romanesque church. The building underwent a major restoration campaign spanning from 1983 to 1999 to stabilize its foundations and preserve the stonework.
From the bottom of the Parvis, looking up to capture the symmetry of the twin towers against the sky.
Visit the archaeological site located beneath the choir for a deeper understanding of the cathedral's foundation.
Spend time looking at the stained glass windows from the 16th century, which are considered some of the finest in Europe.
Look for the smaller entrance on the side if the main doors are restricted due to ongoing services.
Avoid entering during a mass or private ceremony, as tourist access to the nave is restricted during these times.
Visitors should maintain silence and remove hats; shoulders and knees should be covered out of respect for active religious services.
