National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg

National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg

Legend has it that the idea of building a national basilica in Brussels came to King Leopold II after a visit to the construction site of the Sacré-Cœur in Paris. The construction of the basilica started in 1905, only to be completed in 1970. Some see it as the largest Art Deco church in the world, others as an excessive and ostentatious folly. We’ll let you decide for yourself.

The Koekelberg Basilica ranks fifth among the world’s largest churches, after the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Paix in Yamoussokro on the Ivory Coast, St Peter’s in Rome, St Paul’s in London and Santa Maria Dei Fiori in Florence.

Today, the church is in the first place a place of prayer for peace. The church is still used for celebrations of the parish or for big national celebrations. But the basilica is more than that. The basilica has also an important cultural function. It’s a magnificent Art Deco monument, there are two museums, there are yearly different expositions and you can enjoy a wonderful view over Brussels!

We’re looking forward to welcoming you soon in this fantastic Art Deco Monument!