Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula 🇧🇪

Step into Belgian history at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, a breathtaking medieval co-cathedral and national church located in central Brussels. As the official seat for royal weddings, state funerals, and major national ceremonies, this grand landmark offers you an unmissable glimpse into the country's rich architectural and royal heritage.

Primarily built in the Brabantine Gothic style over 300 years, the cathedral captivates you from the moment you approach its broad forecourt and ascend the 18th-century monumental staircase. Gaze up at its twin 64-meter towers and double-spanned flying buttresses before stepping inside the light-filled nave. Once indoors, marvel at the cylindrical columns topped with cabbage-leaf capitals, holding 17th-century statues of the twelve apostles. You will also discover an intricate 1699 Baroque pulpit depicting Adam and Eve's expulsion from Eden, 19th-century stained glass windows, and historic mausoleums in the choir.

Make sure to visit the Flamboyant Gothic Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament of the Miracle, where you can view the Cathedral Treasure, including the 11th-century Anglo-Saxon Drahmal Cross. Whether you are admiring its two pipe organs or exploring its late-Gothic chapels, this historic monument delivers a truly memorable Brussels experience.

What to see at Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula

• Twin 64-meter Brabantine Gothic towers and double-spanned flying buttresses
• Intricate 1699 Baroque pulpit by Hendrik Frans Verbruggen depicting Adam and Eve
• 17th-century statues of the twelve apostles set on columns with cabbage-leaf capitals
• Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament of the Miracle housing the 11th-century Drahmal Cross treasure
• Monumental 18th-century staircase leading up to the forecourt

Visiting tips

Be sure to visit the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament of the Miracle to view the cathedral's treasure, including the early 11th-century Drahmal Cross.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula is easy to reach on Brussels’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Brussels travel guide.