Let's dive into its fascinating history. Can you believe that there was already a chapel dedicated to St. Michael on this site way back in 1105? Talk about longevity! However, the church faced some fiery challenges in the twelfth century when it was destroyed not once, but twice, by fire. It's a good thing they had some talented builders on hand!
From 1147, Saint Michael's Church became its own independent parochial church, and that's when the real construction began. The current late Gothic church was started around 1440, and it was built in two phases. During the first phase in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, they built the western part of the church, including the tower, the three-aisled nave, and the transept. Talk about teamwork!
By 1566, two levels of the tower were completed, but then disaster struck. Religious conflicts caused construction to come to a grinding halt, and the church suffered looting and destruction. Those Calvinists just couldn't resist causing a ruckus! Part of the church was even demolished in 1579. Can you imagine the chaos?
Fast forward to 1623, and reconstruction finally began. They replaced the early Gothic choir with a fancy Brabantine Gothic choir. It seems like they wanted to hit a high note with the design, as architect Lieven Cruyl's plan included a sky-high spire measuring 134 meters! Unfortunately, it never got realized due to delays and cost concerns. Hey, sometimes you just have to play it safe!
Now, let's talk about the church's exterior. It's made entirely of sandstone from Brussels and Ledian sandstone. It gives the building a solid, majestic appearance. But don't let the exterior fool you, because inside, you'll discover a rich Neo-Gothic interior. Prepare to be swept off your feet by the exquisite altar and pulpit in this style.
Oh, and did I mention the incredible artworks? Saint Michael's Church is a treasure trove of paintings and sculptures. You'll find pieces by famous artists like Anthony van Dyck, Gaspar de Crayer, and Jan Boeckhorst, just to name a few. It's like an art gallery mixed with a church!
Don't forget to check out the confessionals, which span various style periods. One of them, from the early 17th century, was designed by François Cruyt and features statues sculpted by Michiel van der Voort the Elder. It's a true masterpiece of craftsmanship.
And last but certainly not least, let's talk about the organ. The current organ is a result of a collaboration between De Volder, who built the original organ in 1817, and Anneessens, who remodeled and expanded it in 1951. With 47 stops on three manuals and a pedal, this organ is sure to make your heart sing.
Before we end our tour, don't forget to explore the silver collection. You'll find precious relics, including one brought to the church by Mary, Queen of Scots. Talk about a royal touch!
Well, that wraps up our visit to Saint Michael's Church. I hope you had a heavenly time exploring this architectural marvel! Keep your eyes peeled for more stunning sights as we continue our tour of Ghent.
