Overview:

Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a Roman Catholic basilica in Brussels, Belgium. Itwas built in the late 19th and early 20th century by the architect Paul Saintenoy, who wanted to create a Roman-Byzantine building. The basilica is constructed in the shape of a Latin cross and is decorated with frescoes and Byzantine mosaics. The dome of the basilica is made entirely of glass, allowing for spectacular views of the city. The basilica is one of the largest churches in Brussels, and it is a popular tourist destination in the city. The basilica also hosts numerous concerts and cultural events. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belgium
Prominent Features:

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a monumental Roman Catholic church in Brussels, located atop the Koekelberg hill. Built between 1905 and 1973, it is an example of 20th-century church architecture, and is one of the largest and most prominent churches in Belgium. Ten towers, rising to a height of 107 metres, dominate the skyline of Brussels. Its design is based on neo-Byzantine and Romano-Byzantine styles. The basilica also has a modern bronze sculpture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, by Belgian artist Paul Malfait, at its entrance. Inside, the shrine includes the high altar, the altar of Our Lady of Welcome, and an enormous window above the main altar, which is over fifteen metres high. The church also contains an organ, the largest of its kind in Belgium, and several other works of art. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is visited by thousands of tourists and pilgrims from around the world each year. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belgium.

History:

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a Roman Catholic Marian basilica located in Brussels, Belgium. It is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and stands as a symbol of devotion to the Sacred Heart throughout the world. The basilica is considered to be one of the most important religious sites in Brussels and is oftentimes referred to as the "heart" of Brussels. The history of the basilica dates back to 1886, when a group of like-minded Brussels residents formed a committee to raise funds for the construction of a church dedicated to the Sacred Heart. A site was selected in the Koekelberg neighborhood, and a building campaign later launched in 1902. The plans for the basilica were created by the architect Joseph Schaddek. Construction began in 1905 and the first stone was laid on July 15th of that year. However, due to World War I, construction was halted and the project was only completed in 1969, 63 years after it was initiated. During the war, the partially-built basilica was used as an artillery gun sight. The basilica was designed in a neo-Byzantine style and is constructed from brick and limestone. It is shaped in a Greek cross, with four composite towers rising from each corner. Inside, the basilica is equally impressive, featuring marble and mosaics as well as a main altar that is flanked by two rose-shaped chapels. The basilica serves as a popular pilgrimage destination for Catholics in Brussels and around the world. The basilica's design also includes a large presence of gardens, fountains, pools, and sculptures. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a symbol of architectural beauty as well as a devotion to the religious beliefs held by the people of Brussels. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belgium with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is an iconic art deco-style Roman Catholic church located in Brussels, Belgium. 2. It was designed by the renowned architect Victor Horta and finished in 1928. 3. The basilica has seven traditional chapels, including one dedicated to each of the four evangelists and another dedicated to Belgium's patron saints, Sts. Gudula and Lambert. 4. The basilica also features several shrines, most dedicated to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. 5. The basilica is located on the Avenue des Prés and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2019. 6. The large golden mosaics of the Rose Window are spectacular and can be seen at the south-eastern corner facade of the building. 7. The basilica also houses a crypt containing the tombs of several Belgian notables, including the former Prime Minister Paul-Henri Spaak and the prominent Egyptologist Jean Capart. 8. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart also functions as a small museum, exhibiting paintings, sculptures, and other religious artifacts. 9. A restoration campaign is currently underway to bring the basilica's stained glass windows back to their original condition. One of the historical monuments of Belgium, it tells the story of a bygone era