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Church of Saint Catherine: A Blend of History and Architecture

Discover the architectural splendor of Église Sainte-Catherine in Brussels, a serene cultural hub blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

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The Church of Saint Catherine, located on Place Sainte-Catherine in Brussels, is a captivating blend of architectural styles. Built between 1854 and 1874, it replaced a 15th-century church and stands on the site of a former port basin, offering a unique glimpse into Brussels' history and religious heritage.

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

  • Visit during the week to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Don't miss the chance to admire the stained glass windows in the afternoon when the sunlight illuminates them beautifully.
  • Check the church's schedule for special events or concerts that may enhance your visit.
  • Explore the charming square around the church, filled with cafes and shops.
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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 located directly at Place Sainte-Catherine. Several bus lines also stop nearby, including lines 29, 46, 71, and 89. A single metro or bus ticket costs €3.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the city center, walking to the Church of Saint Catherine is a pleasant option. From Brussels Central Station, it's approximately a 15-minute walk. Head north towards Place de la Bourse, then continue onto Rue Antoine Dansaert. The church will be visible on your left at Place Sainte-Catherine.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Brussels. A taxi from Brussels Central Station to the Church of Saint Catherine typically takes around 3 minutes and costs between €6-€8. Keep in mind that taxi fares within Brussels start at €2.40, with an additional €1.35 per kilometer.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to Pl. Sainte-Catherine 50, 1000 Bruxelles. Street parking is available nearby, with fees ranging from €2 to €5 per hour. Alternatively, several parking garages are located in the vicinity, including Q-Park Tirou, approximately 268 meters from the church. BePark also offers long-term parking solutions near Sainte-Catherine/Sint-Katelijne.

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Discover more about Church of Saint Catherine

The Church of Saint Catherine, or Église Sainte-Catherine, is a prominent landmark gracing the vibrant Place Sainte-Catherine in Brussels. 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. 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. 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. The church also houses the tomb of the French priest Antoine Arnauld (1612-1694), who spent the last 15 years of his life in exile in Brussels.

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