Rising from a hilltop in Brussels, the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart dominates the skyline with its massive Art Deco dome—the fifth-largest church in the world by interior volume. King Leopold II laid the foundation stone in 1905 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Belgian independence, envisioning a monument that would rival Paris's Sacré-Cœur. Wars, economic crises, and architectural revisions delayed completion until 1969, but the result is a stunning achievement: a church that can accommodate 25,000 pilgrims beneath a copper dome visible for miles across the Belgian capital.
The basilica at Koekelberg is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus—the devotion that swept the Catholic world in the 19th century after the apparitions at Paray-le-Monial. As Belgium's national church, it serves as a center for major Catholic celebrations, including the annual Te Deum on National Day. For pilgrims visiting Brussels, Koekelberg offers an encounter with Belgian Catholic identity writ large in brick, concrete, and copper.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
The story of Koekelberg begins with King Leopold II, who in 1902 acquired the hilltop site of Koekelberg with plans for a national church. The foundation stone was laid on October 12, 1905, on the 75th anniversary of Belgian independence. The original neo-Gothic design by Pierre Langerock proved too expensive, and construction halted during World War I.
After the war, architect Albert Van Huffel redesigned the project in the Art Deco style then sweeping Europe. Construction resumed in 1926 and continued despite the Great Depression and World War II. The church was consecrated in 1951, though work on the interior continued until 1969.
The completed basilica measures 164 meters long and 107 meters wide, with a dome rising 89 meters above the hilltop. The green copper dome and twin towers have become iconic elements of the Brussels skyline. The interior combines geometric Art Deco design with traditional Catholic iconography, featuring terracotta reliefs, stained glass, and a monumental main altar.
Pope St. John Paul II celebrated Mass at Koekelberg during his 1985 visit to Belgium.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Koekelberg
National Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Belgium's national church and Art Deco masterpiece
The vast interior accommodates up to 25,000 people for major celebrations. The nave stretches 141 meters, flanked by side chapels dedicated to Belgian dioceses and religious congregations. The ambulatory houses a treasury with liturgical art. A panoramic terrace atop the basilica offers views across Brussels.
Panoramic Terrace
An observation deck atop the basilica provides 360-degree views of Brussels and the surrounding region. Access is by elevator.
Treasury and Museum
The basilica houses a collection of liturgical art, vestments, and historical artifacts documenting the church's construction and Belgium's Catholic heritage.
Park Elisabeth
The park surrounding the basilica provides green space for reflection and offers views of the church's exterior architecture.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
National Day Te Deum — July 21
The Belgian royal family and government officials attend a solemn Te Deum at the national basilica on Belgium's National Day.
Feast of the Sacred Heart — June (date varies)
The basilica's patronal feast, celebrated with special solemnity.
Christmas Concerts — December
The basilica's acoustics make it a premier venue for sacred music, with major concerts during Advent and Christmas.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Hotels in Central Brussels (5 km east) — Brussels offers a wide range of accommodations in all price categories.
Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Comfortable business hotel near the city center. Reserve this hotel
Hotel Métropole ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Historic grand hotel on Place de Brouckère. Reserve this hotel
🚗 Getting There
By Air: Brussels Airport (BRU) is 15 km northeast.
Local Transport: Metro stations Simonis (lines 2 and 6) and Bockstael (line 6) serve the basilica; from Simonis, it's a 5-minute walk uphill. Tram 19 also stops nearby.
By Car: The basilica is in the Koekelberg/Ganshoren area of northwest Brussels. Limited parking available; public transport recommended.
📚 Further Reading
Luc Duerloo. Dynasty and Piety: Archduke Albert and Archduchess Isabella — Context for Baroque Catholic architecture in the Spanish Netherlands.
🔗 Useful Links
National Basilica of the Sacred Heart — Official site with visiting hours, Mass schedules, and event calendar.
Visit Brussels — Brussels tourism information.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Scherpenheuvel-Zichem (50 km east) — Belgium's national Marian shrine.
Beauraing (100 km south) — Virgin of the Golden Heart apparition site.
Banneux (110 km east) — Our Lady of the Poor apparition site.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"Behold this heart which has so loved humanity." — Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, Paray-le-Monial
