Frommer's Review
Although more than a little plain to look at, both outside and inside, compared to the generally extravagantly decorated run of Gothic cathedrals, St-Michel's, dedicated to the city's patron St. Michael, and to St. Gudula, has much to commend it. Its purity of line and lack of superfluous frills seems like the distilled essence of a style that dominated European cityscapes for half a millennia. Victor Hugo considered this magnificent church to be the "purest flowering of the Gothic style." Begun in 1226 -- its choir is Belgium's earliest Gothic work -- it was officially consecrated as a cathedral only in 1961. The 16th-century Habsburg Emperor Charles V donated the superb stained-glass windows. Apart from these, the spare interior decoration focuses attention on its soaring columns and arches. The bright exterior stonework makes a fine sight. On Sunday at 10am the Eucharist is celebrated with a Gregorian choir. In July, August, and September, polyphonic masses are sung by local and international choirs at 10am. August to October, chamber-music and organ concerts are occasionally performed on weekdays at 8pm. In spring and autumn at 12:30pm, Mass is sung accompanied by instrumental soloists and readings by actors (in French).
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