Brussels Historical Churches Walking Tour (Self Guided), Brussels

As well as being Belgium’s political and cultural capital, Brussels is the spiritual home of its most significant churches. Historically, the city has been predominantly Roman Catholic, especially since the expulsion of Protestants in the 16th century. The pre-eminent Catholic temple here, located just a couple of minutes from the Grand-Place, is the Brabantine Gothic Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, which sports a striking twin-towered, white stone facade. Begun in 1215, and 300 years in the making, it remains a prominent feature in the skyline of downtown Brussels.

Another gorgeous church, this time down near the Royal Museums area, the medieval Notre-Dame du Sablon has impressive exteriors with ornate decorations and designs. Inside there are some fascinating things to see, such as the sculptures and the altar, but most of your time will be spent looking at the glorious stained glass windows, reminiscent of the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. After your visit, feel free to spend some time at the antique stalls and shops in the nearby Place Sablon!

Among other highlights in the area are the Saint Nicolas Church, dating back over 1,000 years, and surrounded by similarly old-looking houses, or the Baroque church of Saint Jean Baptiste – the only building left from the Béguine convent founded on the site in the 13th century, whose facade is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Belgium.

Neglecting such treasures is like leaving Brussels without having waffles, so take our self-guided walking tour to catch a glimpse of some exquisite places of worship.