St. Nicholas Church, Brussels, Belgium

The Église St-Nicolas is a delightful little church behind the Bourse in Brussels. It is surrounded by fine old houses that seem to huddle under it.

This small church is almost 1,000 years old, but little remains of the original structure. Its 11th-century Romanesque lines are hidden by a 14th-century Gothic facade and the repairs made after the French bombardment of 1695. A cannonball fired by the French in 1695 is still lodged in one of the pillars.

The church holds a small painting by Rubens of The Virgin and Child and the Vladimir Icon painted by an artist from Constantinople in 1131.

Religious sites in Belgium

User Reviews

Nick (8 months ago)
Very old Church with pretty interior, but destroyed an rebuilt a few times so the building itself is newer. Very cool gold box with the relics of 14 Christian martyred by Protestants. Great place to rest from the crowds and heat of the day to remeber gratitude and grace.

Razvan S (9 months ago)
Had to come twice in order to be able to visit. Located a few meters away from the Grand Place, it dates back to the 12th century, making it one of the oldest churches in Brussels. The church showcases a blend of architectural styles, including Romanesque and Gothic elements. It has witnessed centuries of history, including periods of religious and political upheaval, being not only a place of worship but also a testament to Brussels' rich history and architectural legacy.

Julia Kondaurova (10 months ago)
There is wonderful and really peaceful atmosphere. I felt calm and relieved here.

Alex Segalés (13 months ago)
Adorable church in Brussels downtown. Genuine oasis of peace in Europe's always busy administrative capital. Its humble and clear style offer an intense serene sensation, inviting the parishoner to sit on the wood benches and contemplate the impressing yet not overloaded altar.

Michael Mack (2 years ago)
A stunning Catholic Church (one of the oldest in Brussels). It also has an artifact dating back to the 1500’s. Really beautiful architecture both on the inside and outside. Really glad I came upon this church and went in for a visit.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

Historic Site of the week

Church of St Donatus

The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.

St. Nicholas Church

Address

Details

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Church of St Donatus