Basilique de Koekelberg, Brussels

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Brussels is visible from the center of Brussels. I’d seen it many times to the west down Leopold II Tunnel at the north end of the main shopping street (Nieuwstraat) as I continued on my way to Gare du Noord. I decided to take a closer look one day, but it certainly took longer than I expected to get there. It’s a straight walk, but the 100 year old church is the fifth largest in the world which is why it’s visible from so far away. There aren’t any building to obstruct the view either as the church looks out over the grassy Parc Elisabeth (Elizabeth Park). Worth the trip, but it’s probably smarter to take a tram or bus to get there.

The Koekelberg National Basilica is the 5th largest church in the world and is visible in this view from the top floor of the Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium. I could not visit it due to my short stay in Brussels and hope to see it on my next visit!!!

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Somehow churches always interest me and being the 5th largest in the World and having such importance, it was a definite must see in Brussels.

It is not very far from the centre and it was part of our tour. the architecture was massive, incredible but at the moment undergoing extensive refurbishment so for the time being, one can only admire the architecture as from the inside it is presently bare, just scaffolding.

This is known as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart also known as Koekelberg Basilica. It is 89 meters high and 167 meters long and it was built for the 75th anniversary of Belgian Independence. It is reletavely new, first stone was laid by King Leopold II in 1905 and completed by the end of 1971.

In 1997 the dome of the Koekelberg Basilica was opened for visitors. A elevator and many stairs leads you to the top from where one has one of the best views over Brussel that are available. The centre with the graceful cityhall tower, as well as the Automium, are all in your view.

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Somehow the Koekelberg has attracting powers, because at all my Brussels visits I pass this location, that is a real landmark just being elevated over its surroundings.

The Koekelberg Basilica, official name Basiliek van het Heilig-Hart van Brussel is the best known church building of Brussels.

You can enjoy a panoramic view onto Brussels from the tower; visiting hours:
Summer 9AM - 5.15PM
Winter: 9AM -4.15PM

Satellite picture

Already from a large distance and from many positions through Brussels hemisphere, one can see the enormous dome of the Basilica of Koekelberg. The actual name is Basilica of the Sacred Heart, but situated in the neighbourhood "Koekelberg" the people simply started to call it "Basilica of Koekelberg". The church was built as a remembrance to the 75th anniversary of Belgium's independance and in 1905 one started the construction of this largest Art Deco building in the world. Because of the First World War the construction was delayed considerably and only in the 1960'ies it was finished and became the National Basilica of Belgium as well as one of the most remarkable buildings in Brussel.

When the Basilica of Koekelberg was built, Art Deco became quite popular around the world. Initially the church should have been constructed in Late Gothic styles, but in the 1930-ies one decided to go for the Art Deco architecture that one can see now. Inside a lot of marble is used, as well as colourful glass in lead windows. Besides that also the fine organs and transcept within the church are worth your attention.

THE BASILICA OF THE HOLY HEART
The Basilica of the Holy Heart at Koekelberg dominates Brussels from a hill at the Westernmost part of town. Building was started in 1905 and was not finished until 1970.