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What if you woke up to this every day?
Visiting a friend in the Lower Town of Brussels, I was amazed when I looked out of her window and saw that this was her every-day view…the Gothic St. Catherine’s church!
This beautiful church (also known as the Eglise Sainte-Catherine and Sint-Katelijnekerk) is located about a ten minute walk from the Grand Place. It was built on the site of the former fish market and today faces the site of a regular market where you can find typical Belgian products such as seafood, cheese and local vegetables.
St. Catherine’s was originally built in the 15th century but completely redesigned between 1854 and 1859 by the famous artist Joseph Poelaert who was inspired by the Église St Eustache in Paris. The only part left of the 15th century church is the Baroque tower which was added in 1629 and is located aside the church.
The interior of the church contains many baroque artworks, including a small statue of the Black Madonna, dating back to the 14th century, at the left side of the altar. Other notable items are a Flemish pulpit and two beautiful tombs carved by Gilles-Lambert Godecharle and a portrait of Saint Catherine.
After your visit to St. Catherine’s church is complete make sure to check out the Tour Noire (Black Tower) located on the side of the NH Hotel and diagonal from St. Catherine’s. This 12th century tower, still stands strong and is the lone surviving part of the ancient stone city walls.
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St. Catherine’s Church
- http://eglisesaintecatherine.be/
- Address: Pl. Sainte-Catherine, 1000 Brussels
- Hours: Monday thru Saturday, 0900-2000, Sunday, 0930-1900
- Admission: free
- Getting There: Located about 10 minutes from the Grand Place, it is a nice walk but can also be reached by metro, Ste-Catherine stop.
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