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Brussels Religious Heritage

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Koekelberg - When standing on one of the hills surrounding the center of Brussels, one can always see the dome of the Basilica in Western direction. This art deco master piece is labeled "the national Basilica of Belgium". It was built to remember the 75th anniversary of the Belgian independence.

In 1905 king Leopold II laid the first stone. According to the original plans, it was to become a gigantic neo-gothic church. The initial plans were stopped at the beginning of World War I. Only in 1919 the construction would continue. However, by then the developers had changed their plans and architect. A new architect was asked to construct a modern prayerhouse. To the people of Brussels and Belgium it seemed that the Basilica would never be finished. Moreover, the construction of the church depended entirely on donations made by believers and these donations did not always yield the expected funds. The church was eventually finished in the late 1960's with the construction of a dome and dedicated to the war victories of 1918 and 1944.

Since March 1997, visitors can climb into the dome of the Basilica from where one can have a beautiful panorama over Brussels and its surrounding area.

Basilique of Koekelberg Parvis de la Basilique 1 Koekelberg - Brussels Nearest metro station: Simonis. Open summer: from 8 am to 7 pm Open winter : from 8 am to 5 pm Dome : summertime from 11 am to 3 pm Admission : 2 € (Euro).

St Michael and Gudule Cathedral - The cathedral was built on the ruins of a 12th century Roman temple. The construction took place overan extended period oftime,from the 13th to the17thcentury and is of Gothic style, with some baroque furniture and stained glass windows. This Cathedral hosts most of official religious celebrations of the Belgian Royal Families.

St Michael and Gudule Cathedral Parvis Sainte Gudule, 1000 Bruxelles Open for visits from Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm (November 1 and March 31) until 6pm on Sundays and bank holidays 2pm to 7 pm. (November 1 and March 31 until 6pm) Visits of the script Price on request, wheelchair access on request guided tours on request, contact ACT, rue du bois des sauvages, Brussels

Religious Architecture