Did Brussels merchants ever imagine their beloved Saint Nicholas Church almost met the wrecking ball? Élise Saint-Nicolas – Sint-Nikolaaskerk stands proudly before you, a testament to resilience. It has witnessed centuries of Brussels life, from bustling medieval markets to the devastating bombardments of 1695. Saint Nicholas Church, nestled near the Grand Place, has catered to traders and worshippers since the 12th century. Its namesake, St. Nicholas, the patron saint of traders, watches over this historic site. The original Romanesque structure evolved with Gothic additions in the 15th and 16th centuries. Inside Saint Nicholas Church, treasures await. Peter Paul Rubens’ “Virgin and Sleeping Child” graces the walls, a masterpiece of Flemish Baroque. A 12th-century icon of St. Nicholas, brought from Constantinople, connects Brussels to a wider world. Admire the intricate woodwork of the pulpit. A marble side altar, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, adds to the church’s grandeur. Saint Nicholas Church also holds somber stories. A bronze shrine contains relics of the Martyrs of Gorcum, Catholic priests executed in 1572 for refusing to convert to Protestantism. Another chilling reminder is the cannonball lodged in a pillar, a remnant of the 1695 bombardment by Louis XIV’s troops. The church narrowly escaped demolition in 1929. City leaders deemed it a traffic hindrance on Rue au Beurre. Thankfully, wiser minds prevailed. Saint Nicholas Church, surrounded by quaint houses and shops, invites you to step inside, rest your weary feet, and reflect on its rich history.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to