Gothic Cathedrals of Belgium

There are many cathedrals in Belgium which are magnificent examples of Gothic architecture, with soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate stone carvings, and beautiful stained glass windows. Many of these cathedrals also contain important religious relics, such as the shrine of St. Ursula at the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp or the Holy Blood of Christ at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or religious art, these cathedrals are definitely worth a visit.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Broch of Gurness

The Broch of Gurness is an Iron Age broch village. Settlement here began sometime between 500 and 200 BC. At the centre of the settlement is a stone tower or broch, which once probably reached a height of around 10 metres. Its interior is divided into sections by upright slabs. The tower features two skins of drystone walls, with stone-floored galleries in between. These are accessed by steps. Stone ledges suggest that there was once an upper storey with a timber floor. The roof would have been thatched, surrounded by a wall walk linked by stairs to the ground floor. The broch features two hearths and a subterranean stone cistern with steps leading down into it. It is thought to have some religious significance, relating to an Iron Age cult of the underground.

The remains of the central tower are up to 3.6 metres high, and the stone walls are up to 4.1 metres thick.