Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula

The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula stands on Parvis Sainte-Gudule in the Upper Town of Brussels, Belgium, on a rise above the Lower Town. Built in the Brabantine Gothic style between the 13th and 16th centuries, it is the church where Belgian state ceremonies, including royal weddings and funerals, are held. The twin-towered western facade rises above a broad flight of steps, and the interior is notable for its tall nave, lined with statues of the apostles, and its large stained-glass windows. The Renaissance windows in the transept, dating to the 16th century, are among the finest in the country. A carved baroque oak pulpit depicting Adam and Eve leaving paradise is a highlight of the nave. Below the choir, an archaeological crypt shows earlier Romanesque foundations, and a treasury holds liturgical objects. Entry to the cathedral is free, though a donation is welcome, while the crypt, towers and treasury have small separate fees and their own hours. Typical visits last 45 to 60 minutes. The cathedral is open daily, roughly from 08:00 to 18:00, but visitors should expect closures during services and ceremonies. Late morning is the best time to see sunlight pass through the stained glass, and the cathedral is normally calm outside weekends. The approach from Gare Centrale takes about seven minutes on foot and is uphill; metro lines 1 and 5 serve the station. The building is a short walk from the Royal Palace and the Mont des Arts, so it combines easily with a day of sightseeing in the Upper Town. Photography without flash is generally tolerated, but visitors should respect worshippers.