The basilica's construction was interrupted by both World War I and World War II, causing the building phase to span over six decades.
It is built on a site originally intended by King Leopold II to be a national pantheon before the project was converted to a religious basilica.
The interior spans a total surface area of 11,000 square meters.
The dome, which gives the structure its silhouette, was completed in 1969.
The basilica houses the Museum of Modern Religious Art and the Museum of the Sisters of Mother Teresa.
It remains one of the largest reinforced concrete structures in the world.
The floor plan is shaped like a Latin cross.
The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart, located in the Koekelberg district, is the fifth-largest Catholic church in the world. Constructed between 1905 and 1970, it serves as a prominent example of Art Deco religious architecture. The structure is built primarily of reinforced concrete, brick, and terracotta, characterized by its distinctive green copper dome. It measures 89 meters in height and 164 meters in length. The building functions as a multi-purpose facility, housing two museums, a radio station, and a restaurant in addition to its liturgical spaces. The interior features a significant collection of stained glass windows and religious art. Visitors can access a panoramic viewing gallery located 53 meters above ground level. The basilica is situated atop a hill in Elisabeth Park, offering a vantage point over the Brussels cityscape.
The panoramic observation deck for 360-degree views of Brussels, and the central nave for capturing the symmetrical Art Deco interior.
Access the panoramic gallery via the elevator to see the inner dome structure before reaching the outdoor observation deck.
Check the official website for rotating art exhibitions in the museum wing prior to arrival.
Dress in layers, as the massive stone interior remains significantly cooler than the outdoor temperature.
Do not attempt to climb the tower stairs as the elevator is the standard and necessary means of reaching the observation deck.
Maintain a quiet tone; remove hats inside the sanctuary; do not photograph during ongoing liturgical services.
