Seated on top of a gently sloping hill in the district of Koekelberg, the twin towers and 80m high copper dome of the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Basilique National Du Sacre-Coeur) is a Brussels landmark. The Basilica’s dome is open to the public which offers views of the city.
King Leopold II was inspired to build a basilica to mark the 75th anniversary of Belgium independence after a trip to the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur of Paris in 1902. Work on the building began in 1905 with Leopold himself laying the first foundation stone for what was originally to be a neo-gothic church.
Two World Wars and the fact that the building was being paid for completely by donations by the faithful, meant work on the building was slow, and Architect Albert van Huffel was commissioned in the 1920’s to come up with a less expensive structure. Huffel responded by designing a modern building of worship that boldly incorporated Art Decor - the then new art design movement that was much admired in Belgium. Work still progressed slowly and the building was not completed until 1970.
Opening Hours
Basilica Daily: 9am - 6pm
Dome...
1 May - 30 Sep: 9am to 5.15 pm (last entrance)
1 Oct - 30 Apr: 10am to 4.15pm (last entrance)
Entrance Fees
Basilica: Free
Dome: 4 Euro
Address
National Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Parvis de la Basilique 1
Koekelberg
1081 Brussels
Telephone: (02) 421 16 69
How to Get There
Metro: Simonis Station
External Links
Offical Site for National Basilica of the Sacred Heart
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