St. Michel's is a huge gothic cathedral in downtown Brussels, near the
Brussels Grand Place, at the top of a hill. Construction commenced during the 13th century and continued actively through the 16th. It is the episcopal see of the Archbishop of Malines-Brussels. Major religious events in the lives of the Belgian monarchy, such as weddings and funerals, traditionally take place at St. Michel's. The stained glass, the sculpted pulpit, the 18th century statues of the Apostles, the furnace bridge, and the lectern are all highly regarded for their decorative beauty, and there are many other artistic works of renown, both ancient and contemporary.
St. Michel's hosts frequent concerts, and many recordings have been made there. The carillon has 49 bells, of which the largest, manufactured in 1481, weighs 7 tons.