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Official name: Cathédral Sints Michel et Gudule
Built:
1226- 1861
Type: Holy Place
Location: Sint Goedele voorplein (Parvis Saint Gudule)
City: Brussels
State: Brussels-Capital Region
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S
tanding halfway up Gallows Hill on the frontier between the upper (French) and lower (Spanish) sections of the city, the Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint Guilda watches over Brussels. It first came to prominence in 1047 when the relics of Saint Guilda were brought here by Lambert II, the Duke of Brabant. Duke Henri I of Brabant laid the cornerstone for today's building in 1226. Though the building you see today is in the Brabant Gothic style, it was originally Romanesque, but later converted. In fact, due to the length of time it took to build the Cathedral it actually incorporates four architectural styles. Evidence of its past identity remains in its foundation and crypt. The change in styles actually served a practical purpose. It allowed more light to penetrate deeper inside the already dark recesses of the building. There are a number of stained-glass windows dedicated to those who have ruled the area: Maximilian of Austria, Philip the Beautiful, Charles V and his wife Isabella of Portugal, Louis II and his wife Mary of Hungary, Philip II of Spain, Philibert of Savoy, and Margaret of Austria. Those noblemen who commissioned the windows were honored by having their portraits displayed inside the cathedral. On the outside, the most visible elements are the twin towers. The 227-foot structures are joined by a gable featuring a niche with Saint Michael killing a dragon, or devil, depending on your interpretation. Inside there are 12 Roman columns defining the central cathedral. They represent, and are decorated with statues of the 12 apostles.
>~1000: Church established.
>1047: Relics of Saint Guilda arrive.
>1226: Choir constructed.
>~1450: Nave and towers built.
>~1490: Western facade completed.
>1669: Pulpit constructed.
>1861: Formal staircase built.
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