National Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Minor basilica in Koekelberg and Ganshoren, Belgium.
The National Basilica combines Art Deco and Byzantine Revival styles, featuring a copper dome reaching 89 meters and two tall towers constructed with reinforced concrete.
King Leopold II initiated the basilica construction in 1905, but World War I and World War II delayed its completion until 1970 after several architectural modifications.
The basilica interior displays artworks by multiple artists, including sculptures by Constant Permeke and engravings by Joan Miró, representing Belgian religious heritage.
The basilica accommodates 3,500 visitors and contains two museums, a restaurant, a Catholic radio station, and a theater space for various community activities.
From the panoramic platform at the dome's summit, visitors can observe Brussels and the Flemish Brabant region through a 360-degree viewing experience.
Location: Koekelberg
Location: Ganshoren
Inception: October 12, 1905
Founders: Leopold II of Belgium
Architects: Albert Van huffel, Pierre Langerock, Paul Rome
Official opening: October 13, 1951
Architectural style: Art Deco, Byzantine Revival architecture
Length: 164 m
Width: 107.8 m
Made from material: reinforced concrete
Website: http://basilicakoekelberg.be
GPS coordinates: 50.86667,4.31722
Latest update: May 27, 2025 17:43
Brussels presents historical buildings, museums and parks. The city combines the Royal Palace, Grand Place, Atomium and numerous art museums. Gothic cathedrals, Palace of Justice and urban planning ensembles shape the cityscape.
Brussels offers photographers a range of architectural subjects spanning several centuries. The medieval Grand-Place forms the historic center, while Art Nouveau buildings such as the Musée Horta and Maison Cauchie document the artistic flourishing around 1900. The Atomium, built for the 1958 World's Fair, represents postwar modernism and has become one of the city's most photographed landmarks. The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert ranks among Europe's oldest covered shopping arcades and displays the elegant construction techniques of the 19th century. The Mont des Arts connects different neighborhoods through a terraced garden with views over the old town. Parc du Cinquantenaire features neoclassical triumphal arches, while the Porte de Hal remains the last surviving medieval city gate. The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur in Koekelberg shows Art Deco influences in its monumental architecture. Quieter spots include the Étangs d'Ixelles, two ponds in the neighborhood of the same name, or the Forêt de Soignes, an extensive beech forest on the city's edge. Avenue Louise connects residential and commercial districts through various architectural styles. Smaller passages such as Galerie Bortier or Passage du Nord complement the major arcades. Rue des Bouchers is known for its restaurant facades, while Rue de la Cigogne features historic townhouses. Photographically interesting details include the Art Nouveau metro station Pannenhuis or the modernist Bâtiment CBR. The Château de Laeken serves as a royal residence and opens to visitors only during the annual opening of the Serres Royales. Le Botanique, a former botanical garden, now houses a cultural center. Place Royale and the adjacent Palais Royal form the political heart of the city. Smaller squares like Place Flagey offer local scenes away from the main routes.
Edmond Machtens Stadium
1.4 km
Château du Karreveld
597 m
René Magritte House
1.7 km
Cité Moderne - Moderne Wijk
792 m
Rivieren Castle
1.2 km
Aquarium of Brussels
286 m
Molenbeek-Pontbeek
1.7 km
Elisabeth Park
540 m
King Baudouin Park
1.6 km
Belgian Chocolate Village
916 m
Withuis
1.4 km
Museum René Magritte Musée
1.7 km
Maison Hellinckx
307 m
116 avenue Brigade Piron
1.1 km
Maison Lefever
323 m
Church of St. Magdalene
750 m
Atelier 34zero Muzeum
1.5 km
Ancienne maison communale de Jette
1.7 km
Musée René Magritte Museum
1.7 km
Town hall of Koekelberg
1.2 km
Résidence Basilique
693 m
Parc de la ligne 28 - Park van lijn 28
1.7 km
Jeanne Partous Bridge
1.5 km
Magnolia de Soulange
1.6 km
Cimetière Molenbeek-Saint-Jean - Rhododendron
881 m
Gazomètre n° 2 et abords immédiats
784 m
Atelier 34zero Muzeum
1.5 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes