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National Basilica Of The Sacred Heart

Fifth Largest Church in the World

The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart is located on top of Koekelberg Hill in Brussels and was the fifth largest church in the world when it was built. The basilica is a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture, with an 89-meter-high dome, a nearly 140-meter-long nave, and two museums.

The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart, (Basilique Nationale du Sacré-Cœur or Nationale Basiliek van het Heilig-Hart), is located on top of Koekelberg Hill in Brussels, where King Leopold II laid the foundation stone of the National Basilica in 1905 on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Belgium’s independence. The war caused the church to be completed only in 1969, when it was completed as Fifth-largest Church Building in the World, and was recognized as a minor basilica.

The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart is an example of Art Deco architecture, with its 89-meter-high dome and twin towers, as well as A 140-meter-long Church Nave. It is said that King Leopold II was inspired by the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Paris, so the church is also named after the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the nave altar is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, too.

Church with Stained Glass Windows

Local artist Anto Carte created eight pairs of stained glass windows for the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart, telling the story of Jesus’ life.

In addition, the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart houses two museums and Prayer Rooms. Visitors can take the elevator to the church’s dome observation deck for a panoramic view of Brussels.