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 founded in the twelfth century, but to modern times little remains of the original building. In 1367, the church tower collapsed as a result of a violent storm. It was rebuilt in gothic style in 1380 a year. During the iconoclast uprisings in the 16th century, the church was looted. In 1695, shelling by the French army caused great damage, devastating the church of Saint Nicholas, as well as a large part of buildings at the Main Square. In 1714, the church tower collapsed again and was never rebuilt again. In 1956 the main facade of the building was rebuilt in the Gothic style. In the church of St. Nicholas, in 1618, baptisms of the painter Michael Sweerts took place.
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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