The twin towers
Imposing Brabantine Gothic on a hill above the centre.
Donaldytong — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Szymon Staniec — CC BY 4.0 · Andrew Basterfield — CC BY-SA 2.0 · HJ Mitchell — CC BY 4.0
The Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula is Belgium's national church and Brussels' most important Gothic monument: built between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries on a hill above the city, with two imposing twin towers in the Brabantine style and a façade topped by broad steps — a sight that appears suddenly from the centre's streets. Royal weddings, funerals and the National Day mass are held here, and the interior is spacious and bright with sixteenth-century stained glass (some designed by Bernard van Orley), a stunning baroque pulpit carved as the Tree of Paradise depicting the expulsion of Adam and Eve, and statues of the twelve apostles on the columns. Below ground, the remains of an eleventh-century Romanesque church can be visited. Between the Grand-Place and Central Station — on the natural path of a centre walk. Entry is free and the atmosphere calm despite the location.
Imposing Brabantine Gothic on a hill above the centre.
The carved Tree of Paradise and expulsion of Adam and Eve — a sculptural gem.
Stained windows by Van Orley lighting the nave.
Place Sainte-Gudule, 1000 Brussels
National Bank of Belgium MuseumA museum about money and its history run by Belgium's central bank, in a former 4 minutes walk4.5
Galeries Royales Saint-HubertThe Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert are among Europe's first covered shopping arca5 minutes walk4.6
Comics Art MuseumThe Comics Art Museum is the temple of Belgian comics — for Belgium is the land 5 minutes walk4.1
KBR MuseumA museum inside the Royal Library of Belgium, opened in 2020 around one specific5 minutes walk4.7
Brussels Park (Parc de Bruxelles)Brussels Park is the great formal park at the heart of the upper town: a classic5 minutes walk4.5Half an hour covers the nave, pulpit and glass. The treasury (church goldsmithery) and the underground Romanesque remains are a short token-fee addition for the history-minded. No booking needed — step in on your way between the Grand-Place and Mont des Arts.