The majestic openwork building made of light stone, located in Brussels not far from the Central Station and the Royal Street, is the splendid Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula.

Its exterior is strikingly similar to that of the Notre-Dame de Paris, but, of course, it has its unique history. Today it is considered the main cathedral of Belgium, which you should visit during a journey to the capital since its interior is no less beautiful than its exterior.

This is a functioning temple that you can enter for free and where you can listen to organ music. You can even become a witness of a Sunday service or a wedding ceremony.

Michael and Gudula are two saints who are honored in Brussels as heaven patrons of the city.

The building is a stunning example of the architectural combination of features of both Gothic and Roman styles. The thing is, initially, the Church of St. Michael occupied this place; the relics of St. Gudula were transferred there. Two hundred years later, the temple was fully reconstructed and turned into a Gothic piece of art.

The building of the cathedral lasted for centuries: from 1047, when the church was founded, to 1485, when the interior decoration of the temple was finished. The nave of the cathedral is decorated with snow-white columns, arches and statues of saints.

The main facade has two similar rectangular towers made in the classic Gothic style connected by an openwork gallery with stone patterns. Above the main entrance, there is a huge old stained-glass window.

The cathedral, whose height is 69 meters, stands majestically on the Treurenberg hill and is one of the symbols of the city. In the evening, it is beautifully illuminated. From the upper terrace, where you can get by narrow stairs, an amazing picturesque view of the city from above is offered.

Besides, in the cathedral, there is a mausoleum of the hero of the Belgian Revolution, Frederic de Merode. Near the cathedral, there is the Gare Centrale metro station. In the vicinity, you can see other city attractions: the museum of musical instruments, the Brussels park and the Jeanneke Pis Fountain.