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Faced in brick, the Art Deco church is 89m high and 167m long, making it the fifth-largest church in the world.
/ Belgium / Basilica Koekelberg
Sacred Heart
Basilica Koekelberg
50.8673° N · 4.3167° E|Brussels, Belgium
Officially named the Basilique Sacré-Coeur, this huge Art Deco basilica is the fifth-largest church in the world. It was begun in 1905 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Belgian independence.
The National Basilica of Koekelberg is a huge Art Deco church in Brussels, built to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Belgian independence.
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History
In 1905King Leopold II laid the cornerstone of the basilica. Construction was interrupted 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.
Timeline of Basilica KoekelbergAuto-play · hover to pause
1905 CEIn 1905 King Leopold II laid the cornerstone of the basilica.
In 1905 King Leopold II laid the cornerstone of the basilica.
2000 BCE1 CE2000 CE
1971 CEConstruction was interrupted by the two World Wars and wasn't finish
Construction was interrupted by the two World Wars and wasn't finished until 1971.
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What to see
Faced in brick, the Art Deco church is 89m high and 167m long, making it the fifth-largest church in the world. The main dome, flanked by two towers, can be climbed in summer for excellent views over Brussels.
Highlights from Sacred Destinations
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The main dome, flanked by two towers, can be climbed in summer for excellent views over Brussels.
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3 photographsGallery
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Location
Where on earth
50.8673° N · 4.3167° EBrussels, Belgium