Church of Saint Catherine

Church of Saint Catherine

This vast, eclectic-style church is the only new parish church built inside the Pentagon (historic centre of Brussels) since the end of the Ancien Régime. Stylistically, it is inspired by 16th-century French churches, such as the Church of St. Eustache in Paris, which combine a Gothic structure with Renaissance and Baroque decoration.

The massive base in blue stone, much like the architecture of Brussels’ Palace of Justice, is richly profiled and punctuated by powerful buttresses, crowned with gargoyles. It contrasts with the sobriety of the elevation of the nave in Gobertange stone, supported by fine flying buttresses. All in balance, the main facade, like the gables that close the slightly protruding transept, present a sort of Renaissance central altarpiece, framed by buttresses and surmounted by a triangular pediment and a square lantern. In order to lighten such a massive structure, Poelaert systematically dug niches in the multiple buttresses which he then topped with lanterns. Horizontally, there are balustrades and stands with columns that respond to the same concern.