National Basilica of Koekelberg, Brussels
The Art Deco Basilica of Koekelberg in Brussels. Photo under GFDL.
Front view of the Basilica in autumn. Photo
Hector Fabio Hurtado.
Aerial view of the Basilica of Koekelberg. Image courtesy Google Earth.
The National Basilica of Koekelberg is a huge Art Deco church in Brussels, built to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Belgian independence.
In 1905 King Leopold II laid the first stone of the basilica. The construction was halted by the two World Wars and wasn't finished until 1971.
The basilica is dedicated to the Sacred Heart, like the more famous and equally patriotic Basilique Sacré-Coeur in Paris. The more common name "Basilica of Koekelberg" derives from its location in the Koekelberg area of Brussels.
The Art Deco church is 89m high and 167m long, making it the fifth-largest church in the world. The main dome of the bulky brick-faced structure is flanked by two towers. In summer you can climb to the dome for outstanding views of the city.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Basilique Nationale de Koekelberg; National Basilica of Koekelberg; Basilique Sacré-Coeur; Basilica of the Sacred Heart |
| Dates: | 1905-71 |
| Architecture: | Art Deco |
| Address: | Parvis de la Basilique 1, Brussels, Belgium |
| Metro: | From place Louise to the Simonis stop. |
| Hours: | Church: May-Oct., daily 8-7; Nov.-Apr., daily 8-5. Dome: May-Oct., daily 11-3. |
| Cost: | Church free; dome €2. |
Location Map
Location map and satellite view of the Basilica of Koekelberg. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Brussels Map or get our Google Earth download.
More Information
- Virtual Visit of the Basilica of Koekelberg – Commune Libre de l'Ilot Sacré
