Basilica of the Sacred Heart

The idea of creating a national shrine was conceived by King Leopold II. In 1902, he visited the Basilica de Sacré-Coeur on Montmartre Hill in Paris and decided to build a pilgrimage church in Brussels. In 1905, during the celebration of Belgium's 75th anniversary of independence, he laid the foundation stone of the basilica.

The original plan was for a Neo-Gothic temple with pointed spires, designed by Belgian architect Pierre Langerock. Financial constraints forced the abandonment of the original project. It was replaced by an Art Deco design that won the Grand Prix at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris in 1925. The designer was Albert van Huffel.

Construction was interrupted by World War I and World War II, and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart was not solemnly opened until 1970. Cardinal Désiré-Joseph Mercier proclaimed it a National Monument of Peace. This event also marked the 25th anniversary of the Mechelen-Brussels Archdiocese, to which the basilica belongs.

The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart is impressive in size. It is 165 meters long and 107 meters wide. Thanks to a special construction of separate blocks that can be interconnected, the monumental complex can accommodate up to 3,000 worshipers. The majestic structure of brick and concrete consists of two elegant towers and a grand copper dome, rising 90 meters above the surroundings of Brussels.

The church's interior decor, in comparison to other Catholic churches, is striking for its cubism and minimalism. The play of light and shadows creates a reverent atmosphere. The stained glass windows depicting the life of Jesus also draw attention. They were created by Belgian artist Anto Carte.

Besides serving as a house of prayer, the site of the Minor Basilica includes an exhibition center, theater, church restaurant, Catholic radio station, as well as a Museum of Religious Art and a Museum of the Patrimony of the Order of Augustine Sisters. These facilities house many sculptures, paintings, tapestries, and artifacts on religious themes.

Beneath the dome of the basilica, there is an observation platform. From a height of 53 meters, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Belgian capital and the surrounding area.