Church of Our Lady of Laeken, Gothic Revival church in Laeken, Belgium
The Church of Our Lady of Laeken is a house of worship built in the neo-Gothic style with three distinctive spires and elevated facades rising above the city. Inside, the tall arches, decorative stonework, and stained glass windows create a sense of vertical movement and light throughout the interior.
King Leopold I started construction in 1854 as a memorial to his late wife Queen Louise-Marie. The project took several decades and involved multiple architects before the building was finally completed in 1909.
The church is named after the Virgin Mary and has long been a place where local people gathered for important religious moments and celebrations. Walking through its interior, you can sense how the grand spaces and decorative details were meant to inspire devotion and reflection.
The building is open from Tuesday through Saturday during afternoon hours, but closes during December. The underground royal burial area can be visited as part of your tour, and a flashlight helps you see the details in the lower levels.
Beneath the church lies a royal burial chamber where several Belgian kings and their family members are entombed. These underground rooms are often overlooked by visitors, yet they offer a fascinating look at how the royal family has been laid to rest for generations.
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