Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
Sinners, saints & falcons
Those Gothic towers peeking out above central Brussels? That’s the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula – a masterpiece 300 years in the making. Built mostly between the 13th and 16th centuries (though some parts date back to the 9th), this church has seen royal weddings, state funerals, and a falcon reality show play out in its towers.

A Royal Favorite
Belgium’s royals keep coming back. King Philippe and Queen Mathilde tied the knot here in 1999, and it’s been the stage for plenty of big Belgian moments – from coronations to official ceremonies like the Te Deum on National Day.
The highway that ate Brussels
The cathedral’s grand boulevard is a relic of 1960s ‘Brusselisation‘ – when developers and politicians teamed up to bulldoze huge parts of the historic city in the name of progress. Just look at this photo of the destroyed neighborhood in front of the cathedral – all sacrificed for their master plan: a London-to-Istanbul highway running right through the city center. Yes, someone actually thought that was a good idea.

Inside peek

The mirror room
Features a ceiling covered in one million synthetic beetle wings, thanks to artist Jan Fabre. Surreal? Yes. Stunning? Absolutely.

Pulpit drama
This baroque masterpiece didn’t start its life here – it was nabbed from Leuven in 1776 (thanks to some royal meddling). It’s storytelling in wood: Adam and Eve fleeing Paradise, a massive snake climbing the whole structure, and angels that seem to be lifting the entire thing. Peak baroque drama.

Stained glass royalty
Look up to spot saints, kings and queens locked in eternal prayer. Some windows date back to the 1500s, while others are 19th-century restorations.
Insider tip
Each section—King’s, Queen’s, and Prince’s Galleries—hosts different shops. Explore them all to find hidden chocolatiers and cafés. Visit early for fewer crowds or late evening for a romantic vibe under the lights.
When you need a rest, duck into Mokafé in the King’s Gallery. Their shrimp croquettes are a Brussels institution, best followed by their light-as-air waffles. For culture lovers, peek into Tropismes Libraires in the Prince’s Gallery – even if you don’t read French, those gilded ceilings will take your breath away.
