St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral (Cathedrale St-Michel et Ste-Gudule)

St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral (Cathedrale St-Michel et Ste-Gudule)

St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral (Cathedrale St-Michel et Ste-Gudule)
4.5
Historic SitesArchitectural BuildingsReligious Sites
About
Duration: < 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
The area
Address
How to get there
  • Park • 4 min walk
  • De Brouckère • 7 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travelers are saying
  • Rockawaygirl
    Memphis, Tennessee124 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very close to the Brussels Central Station and Grand Place - worth a visit
    I had only an hour in Brussels before I had to catch a tour to Ghent and Bruges. I went straight here from the central train station at 8 AM, and I was the only person in there aside from one worker. The entrance was free, which is quite rare in Europe. It is a beautiful building, inside and out, and well worth a stop. It is a quick 10 minute walk to Grand Place from there.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written March 26, 2023
  • Jim W
    Sindelfingen, Germany2,930 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Perfect Place To Visit Durimg Easter Time
    My wife and I spent Easter weekend in Brussels. While we went to another cathedral for Easter Mass, we did pay a visit to the gorgeous cathedral. We were greeted by a gentleman, offering a 20 or 50 minute personal tour at no expense. We opted for the shorter one. He explained the stained glass windows, all of which were amazing. What a truly spiritual experience. After the tour, we spent another fifteen minutes in deep admiration. This is a must visit place.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 15, 2023
  • minnesotans4
    Saint Paul, Minnesota2,848 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful 13th Century Cathedral
    The cathedral was a ten minute walk from the Grand Place and should not be missed. Admittance was free. The building took 300 years to complete and is considered a Gothic style church. The stain glass windows throughout the cathedral were beautiful especially when the light was streaming through. Large statues of the apostles lined the center of the church. The wooden ornate pulpit was very unique.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written April 18, 2023
  • Leonhkny
    Hong Kong, China14,495 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Royal cathedral
    Cathedrale des Saints Michel et Gudule is a huge, encompassing cathedral in downtown Brussels. Occupying a small hill east of the Grand Place, it is an elegant religious institution for royal functions like wedding and funeral. Interior is relatively simple.Great place to enjoy some serenity, though.
    Visited June 2023
    Written June 12, 2023
  • Amber
    London, United Kingdom39 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see!
    Such a gorgeous Cathedral with so much to see. It's completely free but there is a small part for different treasurers that have been gifted for €2pp & a small exhibition where you can see ruins for €1pp I would absolutely suggest you do this - they only accept cash so do ensure you have this there's also a donation to light a candle & a pray area. It's a must see when in Brussels!
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 24, 2023
  • TigerTina301
    New Orleans, Louisiana1,588 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Most Gorgeous Cathedral
    One of the most gorgeous cathedrals/churches I've ever seen! My husband and I came here while on our honeymoon because I wanted to light a candle for my Uncle Mike. The cathedral was open to public and there is a gift shop inside that sells medals, rosaries, etc. The ornate work inside and outside is incredible. Absolutely stunning and a must see!
    Visited June 2023
    Written July 1, 2023
  • Dragon789wv
    1,164 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent Gothic Church w/ lots to see
    My wife and I were in Brussels for one day only, wandering thru the squares, seeing most of the sights only on the outside, then we came to this church. We were very pleasantly surprised at how beautiful it was inside, as well as how many items inside that were interesting. It's a must see for the visitor.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 18, 2023
  • SMLikestoTravel
    Bengaluru, India277 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Austere but serene
    We walked here from the Grand Place and then walked to the Galeries Royales Saint Hubert. Worthwhile spending about half and hour here. After all the ornate churches and basilicas in Italy, the interiors felt comparatively austere to us. But it is still a beautiful and serene place with far fewer crowds.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written December 3, 2023
  • Tobique
    Ruckersville, Virginia600 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth a trip
    I visited the cathedral during the Christmas season, so was lucky enough to see displays by the various immigrant groups who attend the church. But the cathedral is worth a visit anytime as it’s spectacular. Sitting on an incline in central Brussels, it features marvelous stained glass windows and a beautiful carved pulpit. I’m happy I made a visit.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written December 12, 2023
  • Nick F
    Greece124 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Gothic beauty cathedral
    The Gothic Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels, which is sometimes also called Brussels Cathedral. Its history begins in the 11th century. The main facade has four entrances, and above them you can see sculptures of saints. The interiors of the cathedral are no less impressive. And here's another interesting fact. The French writer Victor Hugo was so admired by the Brussels Cathedral that he considered it almost the only true example of Gothic architecture. I wonder why then he made Notre Dame Cathedral the main “character” of his novel?😁😁😁
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written January 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles5,176 reviews
Excellent
2,762
Very good
2,025
Average
366
Poor
16
Terrible
6

Kufunda
Harare, Zimbabwe356 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022
With its majestic exterior, this is a beautiful cathedral with a mixture of old and modern architecture. It is well preserved, and information on the building can be scanned. Its attractions include a beautiful pulpit, modern main altar, imposing stained glass windows and two pipe organs. It is a venue for state occasions, including those involving the Dutch Royal family. Well worth a visit if you are interested in religious architecture and history.
Written September 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ogerkan
New York City, NY4,742 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022
The Cathedral is situated on a small hill overlooking old Brussels. There is 300 years of architectural history here combining many styles and elements. Beautiful large stained glass windows throughout add a soft lighting effect. Plan on just exploring and enjoying the craftsmanship.
Written November 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Raintree_Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand3,818 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022
Surprisingly massive Gothic cathedral in the center of Brussels. Construction started at the beginning of the 13th century and continuing for 300 years. The cathedral has huge columns the length of the church. A main attraction are the fabulous stained glass windows, with amazing 3-D scenes in vivid color. There are also huge imposing statues of the 12 apostles, impressive organ pipes, an exquisite wooden carved pulpit, and many beautiful paintings. This should be on all visitors' "must-see" list.
Written January 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

NikaNumber1
Royal Oak, MI6,597 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Friends
This is a Beautiful Cathedral inside and out. There’s a lot of great detailing on the outside structure of the building. The spire detailing would be lovely to see up close.

This is a church I could go to every week and be in pure awe every Sunday looking up. Could be why the churches I tend to go to aren’t as intricately designed as this one, would be too distracting during a homily.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Wingfield73
Chiang Mai, Thailand966 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022
Not amazing or stunning as some reviewers say but the friendliest and most intimate gothic cathedral I know. As an historic and authentic building it really works - whether as a tourist or someone simply after a moment of calm. And there's plenty to see - I was especially impressed by the elaborate carved wood pulpit.
Its an inclusive place too - just before Christmas there was a score of different cribs donated by many of the different communities making up this remarkable city.
Written January 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

minnesotans4
Saint Paul, MN2,848 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Family
The cathedral was a ten minute walk from the Grand Place and should not be missed. Admittance was free. The building took 300 years to complete and is considered a Gothic style church. The stain glass windows throughout the cathedral were beautiful especially when the light was streaming through. Large statues of the apostles lined the center of the church. The wooden ornate pulpit was very unique.
Written April 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dragon789wv
1,164 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Couples
My wife and I were in Brussels for one day only, wandering thru the squares, seeing most of the sights only on the outside, then we came to this church.
We were very pleasantly surprised at how beautiful it was inside, as well as how many items inside that were interesting.
It's a must see for the visitor.
Written September 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nick F
Greece124 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
The Gothic Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels, which is sometimes also called Brussels Cathedral. Its history begins in the 11th century. The main facade has four entrances, and above them you can see sculptures of saints. The interiors of the cathedral are no less impressive. And here's another interesting fact. The French writer Victor Hugo was so admired by the Brussels Cathedral that he considered it almost the only true example of Gothic architecture. I wonder why then he made Notre Dame Cathedral the main “character” of his novel?😁😁😁
Written January 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SMLikestoTravel
Bengaluru, India277 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Family
We walked here from the Grand Place and then walked to the Galeries Royales Saint Hubert. Worthwhile spending about half and hour here. After all the ornate churches and basilicas in Italy, the interiors felt comparatively austere to us. But it is still a beautiful and serene place with far fewer crowds.
Written December 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tobique
Ruckersville, VA600 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Solo
I visited the cathedral during the Christmas season, so was lucky enough to see displays by the various immigrant groups who attend the church. But the cathedral is worth a visit anytime as it’s spectacular. Sitting on an incline in central Brussels, it features marvelous stained glass windows and a beautiful carved pulpit. I’m happy I made a visit.
Written December 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Showing results 11-20 of 1,660
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral (Cathedrale St-Michel et Ste-Gudule), Brussels