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Church of Saint Catherine: A Blend of History and Architecture

Discover the Church of Saint Catherine in Brussels, a neo-Gothic masterpiece with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a peaceful atmosphere in a vibrant neighborhood.

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The Church of Saint Catherine, located on Place Sainte-Catherine in Brussels, is a Catholic parish church with a rich history. Built between 1854 and 1874, it replaced a 15th-century church and stands on the site of a former port basin. Its architecture combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, making it a unique landmark in the city.

A brief summary to Church of Saint Catherine

  • Monday 9:30 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-8 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-6:30 pm

Local tips

  • Take a stroll around Place Sainte-Catherine to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, with its many cafes, restaurants, and shops.
  • Visit the Black Tower, a remnant of Brussels' first city walls, located behind the church.
  • Check the church's schedule for community events and concerts to experience the local arts scene.
  • Explore the Sainte-Catherine district, once a fisherman's neighborhood, and enjoy the seafood restaurants that reflect its maritime past.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Church of Saint Catherine is easily accessible by public transport. Take Metro lines 1 or 5 to Sainte-Catherine/Sint-Katelijne station, which is right by the church. Several bus lines also stop nearby, including lines 29, 46, 71, and R28. A single metro or bus fare costs approximately €2.10.

  • Walking

    From the Grand Place, walk north along Rue de Tabora, then turn left onto Rue des Halles. Continue onto Rue du Marché aux Poulets, then turn right onto Place Sainte-Catherine. The church will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. Be aware of pedestrian traffic. No costs involved.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Brussels. A short trip from the city center to the Church of Saint Catherine will typically cost between €10 and €15, depending on traffic and the specific service.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking is available in the area, but it can be challenging due to the bustling neighborhood. Several paid parking zones are nearby. Brucity car park is located less than 50 meters from Place Sainte-Catherine. Parking rates in the orange zone around Place Sainte-Catherine are approximately €2.00 for 1 hour and €5.00 for 2 hours. Mobypark also offers parking options nearby.

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Discover more about Church of Saint Catherine

The Church of Saint Catherine, or Église Sainte-Catherine, is a prominent landmark in Brussels, gracing the vibrant Place Sainte-Catherine. Constructed between 1854 and 1874, it replaced a 15th-century church that had become too small for the growing parish. The church is dedicated to Saint Catherine and serves as a Catholic parish church. The current structure was designed by the renowned architect Joseph Poelaert, also known for his work on the monumental Palace of Justice in Brussels. Poelaert's design draws inspiration from 16th-century French churches, such as the Church of St. Eustache in Paris, combining a Gothic architectural framework with Renaissance and Baroque decorative elements. This eclectic style makes the Church of Saint Catherine a unique and fascinating architectural study. The exterior of the church is particularly striking. The massive base, constructed from blue stone, is richly detailed and features robust buttresses adorned with gargoyles. This solid foundation contrasts with the lighter Gobertange stone used for the nave's elevation, which is supported by delicate flying buttresses. The facade is adorned with intricate sculptures, and the soaring towers dominate the skyline, creating an imposing and beautiful sight. Inside, the Church of Saint Catherine offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. The interior is characterized by its sobriety, enhanced by the white-rendered walls. Exquisite stained glass windows filter light into the space, creating a serene and reverent atmosphere. The Neo-Renaissance furnishings, designed by the Goyers Brothers firm of Leuven, add to the church's aesthetic appeal. The church also houses a 15th-century statue of the Black Madonna and Child, which was thrown into the Senne River by Protestants in 1744 and later recovered, becoming an object of special veneration. Historically, the site on which the church stands was once a basin of the former Port of Brussels. In 1870, the Place Sainte-Catherine was expanded by filling in the Marché aux Poissons (Fish Market), located north of the church. The previous church was demolished in 1893, except for its Baroque tower, which now stands freely and was restored between 1913 and 1930.

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