Royal Crypt, Royal burial site in Laeken, Belgium
The Royal Crypt sits beneath the Church of Our Lady of Laeken and displays Gothic Revival features with carefully crafted stone vaults and ornamental details. The underground space houses the graves of all Belgian monarchs and their spouses in chambers below the church floor.
Construction of the church and crypt began in 1854 under King Leopold I, who established this place as a resting spot for his late wife Queen Louise-Marie. The underground complex later became the official burial site for all subsequent Belgian rulers.
The crypt serves as a resting place for the nation's monarchs and their families, symbolizing Belgium's connection to its ruling lineage. Walking through these chambers, visitors encounter the graves of those who shaped the country's history across different eras.
The crypt is accessible during regular church hours without needing to book ahead or pay an entrance fee. Visitors should prepare for narrow staircases and lower light levels when descending to the underground chambers.
Cardinal Léon Joseph Cardijn, founder of the Catholic Youth Worker movement, is buried here alongside Belgian kings and queens. His presence creates an unusual blend of religious leadership and royal burial traditions.
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