17th Aug 2024: The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels, Belgium

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The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, rising in the heart of Brussels, is a masterpiece of Brabantine Gothic architecture from the Burgundian era. Its most striking feature is the twin-towered façade, measuring 110 meters in length and soaring 64 meters high. The cathedral’s origins date back to the 9th century; it was first built as a Romanesque church in the 11th century. In 1226, Duke Henry II of Brabant initiated its transformation into the Gothic style, and the structure was completed around 1519.

The interior is adorned with magnificent stained-glass windows, among which the “Last Judgment” on the west façade and the windows in the transept depicting Emperor Charles V and three scenes from the legend of the Miracle of the Blessed Sacrament are particularly renowned. 

Musically, the cathedral is equally impressive, housing a monumental organ crafted by Gerhard Grenzing with over 4,300 pipes, as well as a carillon of 49 bells that fills the air with concerts every Sunday.

Designated a national historic monument in 1936 and elevated to the status of co-cathedral of the Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels in 1962, it serves as the venue for Belgium’s most significant state ceremonies, including royal weddings and national funerals. Today, it stands as a central symbol of the city’s history and religious heritage.

​​​Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED / f5.6 / 1/5000s / ISO1600 / + 0.7


Last Judgment
​​​Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II / f13 / 1/125s / ISO2500 / + 0.7


Emperor Charles V
Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II / f13 / 1/80s / ISO2500 / + 0.7


Emperor Charles V
​​​Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED / f5.6 / 1/200s / ISO1600 / 0.0


The Miraculous Sacrament: Three Legendary Scenes
​​​Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II / f13 / 1/200s / ISO3200 / + 0.7


The Miraculous Sacrament: Three Legendary Scenes
​​​Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II / f13 / 1/200s / ISO3200 / + 0.7


The Miraculous Sacrament: Three Legendary Scenes
Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II / f13 / 1/13s / ISO3200 / + 0.7


Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II / f13 / 1/6s / ISO3200 / + 0.7


Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED / f5.6 / 1/200s / ISO1600 / + 0.7


Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED / f5.6 / 1/40s / ISO1800 / 0.0


Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED / f5.6 / 1/60s / ISO1600 / 0.0


Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED / f5.6 / 1/20s / ISO1600 / 0.0


Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED / f5.6 / 1/20s / ISO2800 / 0.0


Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED / f5.6 / 1/40s / ISO1600 / 0.0


Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED / f5.6 / 1/125s / ISO1600 / 0.0


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Location: Esp. de la Sainte-Gudule, 1000 Bruxelles, ベルギー

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