St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral.

One of the first sights we sought out after we arrived in Brussels

 was St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral.

We had read about it, and couldn't wait to see it in person.

It did not disappoint!

As we came up the hill towards it, 

the evening sunlight was hitting it perfectly--

and it was completely breathtaking.

It is enormous!

To give you an idea of how big it is, 

Jordan is standing on the steps.

(Doesn't he look tiny compared to the rest of the huge building??)

The gothic style architechture was absolutely incredible.

The cathedral was built in the thirteenth century, 

and the details that have lasted through all these years are simply amazing.

This statue is St. Michael, the Patron of the Church and of the city of Brussels.

Boston wasn't sure how he felt about the crumbling cobblestone pathways.

It made for some suuuuuper bumpy stroller-riding.

I was kind of obsessed with this Father Christmas'esque door knob.

(I want one for my house!)

This statue was so beautiful.

It was crumbling and worn down from years and years of weather,

and it was perfect.

We were there at the best time of day--

just as the sun was setting over the hill.

It was so peaceful and there was a gorgeous view of the city from the cathedral.

Favorite.

What a beautiful first thing to see in Brussels!!

There is nothing that can compare to the stunning beauty of the ancient cathedrals in Europe.

They make everything comparable in America seem so puny.

(The Europeans sure knew how to build pretty awesome buildings!)

I cannot wait to see what we will find next.