BRUSSELS, Belgium — The back of the altar at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula (in French, Co-Cathédrale collégiale des Ss-Michel et Gudule). A church was founded on this site in the 11th century but the current building dates to the 13th to 15th centuries. The Roman Catholic cathedral is the venue for many state functions such as coronations, royal weddings, and state funerals. It has two patron saints, St Michael and St Gudula, both of whom are also the patron saints of Brussels.
Photograph by David Coleman. The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula stands as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture in the heart of Brussels, Belgium. Perched atop Treurenberg hill, its twin towers rise majestically, dominating the city's skyline and serving as a beacon of Belgian religious and cultural heritage. The cathedral's history spans nearly a millennium, with its origins dating back to the 11th century. However, the current structure primarily reflects the Gothic style of the 13th to 15th centuries, showcasing the evolution of Brabantine Gothic architecture. The western façade, with its intricate rose window and three elaborate portals, exemplifies the grandeur of medieval craftsmanship. Inside, the cathedral boasts soaring vaulted ceilings, magnificent stained-glass windows, and a Baroque pulpit of exceptional artistry. As the national church of Belgium, it has been the site of royal weddings, coronations, and state funerals, intertwining its history with that of the Belgian monarchy. The cathedral is dedicated to St. Michael, the patron saint of Brussels, and St. Gudula, a local 7th-century saint. Archaeological excavations beneath the church have revealed Romanesque foundations, adding to the site's historical significance. With its blend of architectural styles, rich artistic treasures, and central role in Belgian religious and civic life, the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula stands as a testament to Brussels' enduring cultural and spiritual legacy.
Size: 6706px × 4476px
Location: Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, Brussels, Brussels Region, Belgium
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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