The Cathedral of St Michael & St Gudula

Majestic 13th century Gothic cathedral in the heart of the city
Noteworthy for: One of the city's earliest and finest examples of Gothic architecture, this cathedral was once described by writer Victor Hugo as "the purest flowering of the Gothic style".

Word to the wise: The cathedral's mouthful of a name is normally shortened to St Gudula's, or Sainte Gudule in French.
Brussels' most beautiful church, this Gothic masterpiece began in the 13th century and took 300 years to complete. While it's not one of Europe's largest cathedrals by any means, it's nonetheless one of its most perfect, its elegant towers rising up amongst a sea of modern office buildings in the city centre.

Highlights of the cathedral include magnificent stained-glass windows, 17th century Brabantine statues, an exquisitely detailed Baroque pulpit and an impressive organ. The treasury holds a beautiful display of gold, silver, and precious stone religious artifacts as well. And if you're lucky, you might catch one of the famed choir's performances.

Despite its history, beauty and prominence as the site of many royal weddings, the cathedral is rarely packed with visitors, retaining its sense of tranquility.