Who doesn't know Saint Peter's Basilica, the Sagrada Familia, or Notre-Dame in Paris? What is certain is that Brussels, like many other major cities, has its fair share of treasures. These are must-sees that should definitely be on your bucket list.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg, colossal
Would it surprise you to learn that Brussels’ basilica is the fifth-largest church in the world? 164 meters long, 107 meters wide, and 93 meters high... all in Art Deco style and set in a sublime green setting... Its construction took nearly 70 years! A true national emblem, the basilica is far from a mere ecclesiastical building.
This gigantic structure regularly hosts activities and organisations: a theatre hall, two museums, a radio station, scouts, Scrabble clubs, and even a caving club in the former coal boiler room! These spelunkers organise a spectacular annual rally on the basilica’s rooftops! They are also called upon for maintenance work.
The Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula, the icon
Welcome to the capital’s ancient history… Standing proudly on a hill, the cathedral, dedicated to the two saints who protect the capital, is the city’s main cultural building. Erected between the early 13th century and the late 15th century, it wonderfully illustrates the Brabantine Gothic style, a local variant of the famous medieval style. Initially a politically affiliated church, it hosted significant events like the proclamation of Charles V as King of Spain or the marriage of the current King of Belgium, Philippe, to Mathilde. Enter, and you will be dazzled by the great beauty of its stained glass windows – it is one of the buildings with the most ancient stained glass in Belgium!
© visit.brussels
© visit.brussels
The Church of Our Lady of the Sablon, a Brussels symbol
Today, the name ‘Sablon’ primarily refers to an upscale neighbourhood with lavish shops – including renowned restaurants and chocolatiers – which is known for its antiques dealers. The second major church in the centre, the Church of Our Lady of the Sablon, like the cathedral, is built in the Brabantine Gothic style. This building, originally a modest chapel built by the Brussels crossbowmens guild, owes its reputation to a legendary event: the arrival in the 14th century of a statue representing the Virgin and Child. This marks the genesis of one of the capital’s key events, still celebrated today: the Ommegang. Did you know that place du Grand Sablon was a major ball game venue in the 19th and 20th centuries?
The Church of Our Lady of Laeken and its royal crypt
The Church of Our Lady of Laeken, designed by none other than Joseph Poelaert, is much more than just a church: it houses the Royal Chapel and the Royal Crypt where all the reigning Belgian monarchs are buried, starting with Leopold I! This church is a neo-Gothic gem, commissioned by Leopold I in memory of Queen Louise-Marie and completed by Leopold II in 1909. Admire the three Gothic spires, the polychrome statue of the Virgin inside, and don’t miss the nearby Laeken Cemetery, one of the most beautiful in the region. Tip: recently, the church has been illuminated at night with 500 LED spotlights, enhancing its role as a Brussels landmark, especially if you approach it from the south via avenue de la Reine.
The Church of Saint Nicholas, in the heart of the city
This church has a somewhat discreet character, partly hidden by the small houses attached to it, as was often the case during the Ancien Régime. It is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, and this is no coincidence: he is the patron saint of merchants. The sumptuous Grand-Place, just a few steps away, was originally the city’s commercial centre. A chapel built in the 12th century, the building was destroyed several times, including during the 1695 bombing of Brussels by French troops. The facade was completely restored – note the beige limestone from Massangis – in the 1950s, completely rejuvenating the building!
The Church of Saint Mary: Puccini and Magritte!
Its imposing copper dome dominates the Schaerbeek skyline: this Brussels attraction, like the Church of Our Lady of Laeken, lies on the route between the two royal palaces and is visible from far and wide. It was built in a Romanesque-Byzantine style between 1845 and 1888 but was only consecrated in 1901 after the interior decoration was completed. It’s worth the detour for the splendid view toward the Palace of Justice, but also for its heavy bronze door, the magnificent mosaic above it, and the stained glass windows by the famous master glassmaker Jean-Baptiste Capronnier. A interesting anecdotes: the funeral of the famous composer Puccini was held here (but he is not buried on site), and… René Magritte was married here!