NATIONAL BASILICA OF THE SACRED HEART

Description

Essentials about the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in brief

The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart towers loftily on Koekelberg in the northwest of Brussels. Due to its elevated position and its dimensions, the basilica can be seen from afar from many directions. At 141 meters long, 107 meters wide and 93 meters high, the National Basilica is one of the largest Roman Catholic houses of worship in the world. It is also the world’s largest building in the Art Deco style. Churchgoers and those interested in architecture should therefore by no means miss a visit to the basilica.

The history of the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart

The history of the National Basilica is closely linked to King Leopold II, who was the head of state of Belgium from 1865 to 1909. The basilica was commissioned during his reign to mark the 75th anniversary of Belgium’s independence. Leopold II was probably inspired to this idea during a visit to Paris, where he caught sight of the magnificent Sacré-Coeur church.

In the first version, the basilica was designed by the architect Pierre Langerock as a neo-Gothic cathedral. In 1905, King Leopold II laid the foundation stone of the building. After construction came to a halt during World War I, Flemish architect Albert Van Huffel was commissioned in 1920 with new designs that would, among other things, reduce costs. The church was elevated to basilica minor by Pope Pius XII in 1952. However, the basilica was not finally completed until 1970.

The architecture of the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart

The basilica has a length of 141 meters (nave), a width of 107 meters (transept) and a height of 93 meters, which makes it one of the largest churches in the world. It is also the world’s largest building in the Art Deco style and can accommodate about 2,000 people. The dome has a diameter of 33 meters. At a height of 53 meters, there is an observation deck that offers a great panoramic view of the center of Brussels.

Among other things, the church houses a museum of religious art. Because of its size, the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart is also regularly used for exhibitions on both religious and secular themes.