The Lower Countries’ Gothic Architecture

• The Low Countries are abbreviated by the term "Benelux"— Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg. They have a politico-economic and intergovernmental union similar to the EU that puts an end to customs barriers
• The Primary Gothic character of the lower counties is the Brabantine Gothic Style— known for its profusely decorated exterior and use of marble, limestone, sandstone, granite, and basalt
• The forerunners of the Brabantine Gothic style are: Scheldt Gothic and Mosan / Meuse Gothic
• Scheldt Gothic has a main tower above the crossing and maintained Romanesque's horizontal lines— and uses blue-gray stone from Tournai
• Mosan / Meuse Gothic is a name coined from the River Maas / Meuse; it is primarily seen in the provinces of Limburg and Liege (south-east) — it has more Romanesque features even being of later origin than Schedlt Gothic
• St. Rumbold Cathedral is the first appearance of Gothic Architecture in the Lower Countries— it has 514 steps to the top of its tower
• Antwerp Cathedral is a masterpiece of stone lacework designed by Jan & Peter Appelmans. It has a great width as its nave is flanked by 3 aisles— its spire stands at 123 m tall, the tallest in the area
• St. Gudule / Gudula is the largest church in Benelux, it is shared by St. Michael and St. Gudule— other names include: Geodele & Goule
• Tournai Cathedral has two primary styles: its Nave and Transept, which are made in Romanesque style, and the Choir, which is built in Gothic style. It is famous for its use of Black Marble
• St. John's Hertogenbosch is made in the Flamboyant Brabantine Gothic style and is known as a rare, pure, and rich example of Brabantine Gothic Style
• Burges Town Hall is a masterpiece of the Brabantine Style, it is the only remaining medieval building of the Grand Palace and stands at 96 m (315 ft) tall
• Leuven Town Hall is famous for its ornate lace-like detail; its turrets are made with slits to allow for light. It was made in the shape of a gigantic box reliquaries with corner turrets and a belfry
• Brussels Town Hall is made in the Brabantine Style and is the only remaining building of the Grand Palace
• Oudenaarde Town Hall has a ground-storey arcade with vaulted ceilings and is known for its pointed arch windows separated by canopied niches
• Middelburg Town Hall is located in the Market and used to have a Meat Hall — its main tower is called "Malle Betje"
• Gouda City Hall is one of the oldest and most impressive buildings in the area— the staircase at the front was later added during the Renaissance
• Ypres Cloth Hall was the largest commercial building for cloth at the time
• Burges Cloth Hall is part of the historic center of Burges, known for its dominating tower — it now functions as the museum of Salvador Dali
• Utrecht Cathedral is an example of French Gothic architecture in Holland
• Brussels Town Hall is a 90 m high marvel of grace — it is topped by a spire surmounted by the Archangel St. Michael
• Ghent Town Hall's right side was built in the Gothic style and the left was made in the Renaissance style
• Damme Town Hall is a token of the earlier economic strength of Damme