Paris1972-Versailles2003

And I come back to Brussels, well I like it, is the architecture of the north and its varied history. I am lucky to have family right by the border Belgium/France and had used them as a base to go into Belgium and its wonderful cities. Of course, the family trips were done by car, and then on business trips I have used planes, trains and automobiles combinations ! Brussels is nice and great memories forever. I have written before quite a bit on Brussels but gladly found me new pictures in my cd rom vault that should be in my blog for you and me, Therefore, let me tell you again on the Cathedral St Michael and St Gudule of Brussels, part III !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.

The western façade is typically Gothic-style brabant by its highly flamboyant décor. But it is also inspired by the typology of French Cathedrals, with its two towers and three portals surmounted by their gable. However, unlike the French facades it has no rosette, the latter being replaced by a large Brabant canopy. The two towers whose tops are laid out on terraces the facade is on three levels. The lower level is that of the portals and their gable. The two side portals are located at the base of the towers. The middle level is that of the large canopy, characteristic of the style ogival Brabant, flanked by two tall bays, narrow and slender each located in the axis of one of the towers. Finally at the top of the façade the third level presents a huge triangular pinion  perched above a gallery lace with fine balusters, and topped by several flamboyant pinnacles, one of which, at the top of the pinion, is particularly impressive and reaches more than 55 meters in height. On either side of this pinion, stand the third and penultimate floors of the two towers, with two very slender bays with giblets.

The nave is supported by two-tiered buttresses, and ensuring maximum stability. On either side of the nave, between these buttresses, there is a series of small, shallow lateral Chapels, each of which is outwardly fitted with a beautiful, six-lancet, flamboyant canopy. The facade of each of the Chapels is surmounted by a typically Brabant triangular pinion, also crowned with a small pinnacle. Each side of the nave appears well decorated and very elegant.

The Cathedral St Michael and St Gundule has 114 meters long with the towers at 64 meters ,inside the width is 54 meters and the ceiling is at 25 meters. The Cathedral has beautiful stained glass windows, notably from the 16C, 17C and 19C. The interior in the nave with eight barlongues or rectangular spans, the elevation is three levels: large arcades communicating with the two collateral, triforium and high windows ; the ones on the right represent Thaddeus, Matthew, Philip, Thomas, James the Mayor and Paul.  Sixteen small lateral Chapels (eight in the north and eight in the south) open on the aisles. Each is equipped with a large, flamboyant bay with 19C stained-glass windows.  The nave features a 17C baroque pulpit carved in 1699. The base represents Adam and Eve driven from the Garden of Eden after plucking the forbidden fruit. In the summit, the Virgin and the Child piercing the serpent symbolize the redemption.

The organ was built in 2000 by organ factor Gerhard Grenzing . The  Choir of the Cathedral also has three rectangular bays and a five-pans apse. Its elevation in three levels; large arcades communicating with the ambulatory, triforium and high windows. It is surrounded by a large ambulatory which opens the large hexagonal baroque Chapel of the Madeleine, which became the Maes Chapel (17C). The addition of two large lateral Chapels at the level of this choir ; Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament , and Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-la-Deliverance made it so much wider than the nave and even the transept, although the latter was  done at the end of the 14C, by the addition of a narthex at the end of the south brace.

The Official Cathedral St Michael and St Gudule: https://www.cathedralisbruxellensis.be/en/

The Brussels tourist office on the Cathedral St Michael and St Gudule:  https://www.visit.brussels/en/visitors/venue-details.Cathedrale-Saints-Michel-et-Gudule.478

Beautiful 3D view of the exterior and interior of the Cathedral on the ilotsacre site: http://www.ilotsacre.be/images/virtualvisit/sainte_gudule-sint_goedele.htm

The Heritage monuments of Brussels on the Cathedral : https://monument.heritage.brussels/fr/buildings/30595

There you go folks, a dandy church in nice memorable Brussels, This cathedral is part of the history of the city, its architecture styles, and beautiful place to see. Glad to have found newer brighter pictures !!! Again, hope you enjoy the Cathedral St Michael and St Gudule of Brussels, part III !!! as I.

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!