Church of Our Lady of Laeken

The Church of Our Lady of Laeken features three spires, elevated facades, and a grand entrance that demonstrates neo-Gothic architectural principles of the 19th century.

King Leopold I initiated construction in 1854 to honor his late wife Queen Louise-Marie, with multiple architects contributing to the project until its completion in 1909.

The church houses a 13th-century wooden carving known as Sedes Sapientiae, depicting Madonna and Child, which received papal coronation from Pope Pius XI in 1935.

Visitors can access the church and its royal crypt from Tuesday through Saturday between 14:00 and 17:00, except during the month of December.

The royal crypt beneath the church serves as the final resting place for Belgian monarchs, including Leopold I, Albert I, and their family members.

Location: City of Brussels

Inception: 1854

Founders: Leopold I of Belgium

Architects: Joseph Poelaert, Auguste Payen, Antoine Trappeniers, Louis De Curte, Alphonse Groothaert

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Website: https://notredamedelaeken.be

GPS coordinates: 50.87861,4.35583

Latest update: May 27, 2025 17:31