Church of Saint-Nicolas in Brussels
Brussels Monuments and Historic Buildings: Church of Saint-Nicolas
Positioned just behind the Bourse (Brussels Stock Exchange building) in Belgium, the St. Nicholas Church is close to 10 centuries old. Because it so ancient, this church is one of the rare buildings in Brussels that features trademark architecture from several different eras.
Originally the church was built in an 11th-century Romanesque style, but you can also observe a gothic facade from the 14th century, as well as some other additions that were made after the French bombardment in 1695. When you visit, you can actually see a cannonball that is still lodged in one of the building’s pillars (and the structural integrity of the church is still intact)! The church also has on display a small painting of 'The Virgin and Child' and the Vladimir Icon painted by an artist from Constantinople in 1131.
This is an excellent place to go if you want to learn and see more of Belgium’s tumultuous history. It will also make you gain a new appreciation for the Belgians’ call for preserving the past. St. Nicholas Church is open weekdays from 7:45 am to 6:30 pm, Saturdays from 9 am to 6 pm, and Sundays 9 am to 7:30 pm. Fun fact: mass is conducted in English on Sundays at 10 am.