Laeken Churchyard, Protected cemetery in Laeken, Belgium
Laeken Churchyard is a protected cemetery in Brussels featuring underground burial galleries, stone monuments, and numerous sculptural works from the 19th century. The grounds spread across six hectares and offer visitors a view of burial traditions and artistic creations from different periods.
The cemetery was established in 1275 and gained prominence when Queen Louise of Belgium was buried there in 1850. This made it a respected burial ground for notable figures.
The grounds house an original bronze cast of Rodin's The Thinker, placed as a memorial by collector Josef Dillen in 1927. This sculpture draws visitors who come to admire the artistic works scattered throughout the cemetery.
The cemetery is located near Our Lady's Church of Laeken and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Visitors should allow time to explore the spacious grounds, particularly if they wish to see the sculptures and monuments throughout the site.
During the summer solstice, sunlight enters through a round opening in the roof and creates a glowing heart shape on the interior hexagonal wall. This optical effect makes the location special for visitors who wish to witness this rare natural occurrence.
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