Church of St. Nicholas |
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is one of the oldest temples in Brussels. Located in the center of the Old Town, a few steps from the Main Square, it was dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari, patron of merchants.
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The temple was built in the 12th century, but not much has remained of the original building until today. In 1367 the church tower collapsed in a violent storm. It was rebuilt in the Gothic style in 1380. During the iconoclast uprisings, in the 16th century, the church was plundered. In 1695, the shelling, led by the French army, caused great destruction, devastating the church of St. Nicholas, as well as a large part of the buildings at the Main Square. In year 1714 the church tower collapsed again, which was never rebuilt. In 1956, the main facade of the building was rebuilt in the Gothic style. In the church of St. Nicholas, in 1618, the painter Michael Sweerts was christened.
From the outside, the temple does not look impressive, but it is worth visiting its interior, containing some interesting works of art . The church has a small image of Piotr Paweł Rubens Virgin and Child, icon Vladimir, painted by the artist from Constantinople in 1131 year, works Jan Van Orley, William Herreyns and G. Kerricks. It is also worth paying special attention to confessionals, a pulpit made in the style of Louis XVI, choir stalls from the 18th century, and a magnificent reliquary, hiding the relics of the Martyrs of Gorkum.
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Address:
Rue au Beurre 1 / Boterstraat 1
1000 Bruxelles / Brussel |
Opening hours:
monday-friday: 8.00-18.30
saturday: 9.00-18.00 sunday: 9.00-19.30 |
Ticket price:
Free entrance
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