In Brussels, the capital and most important city of Belgium, we find the sixth largest chapel in the world, and one of the most notorious in all of Europe. We are talking about the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, a true treasure for Catholicism, for his country and for the Art Deco architectural movement.
When Europe reached the 20th century, many of its nations were having a good time. At that time, the European states dominated almost the entire world, and the wealth of the colonies was evident in the economic growth of the major Western powers.
Belgium, known for its dominance in part of Africa, was one of these privileged countries, so in 1905, it began the construction of a chapel that would become among the most valuable on the continent.
However, this prosperity did not last long. Only a few years later, in 1914, Europe was affected by one of the worst war conflicts in the entire history of mankind, the First World War.
During this dispute, Belgium was invaded, looted and the state reserves stopped financing the project of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, to be able to bear the enormous cost of the conflict.
It would not be until 1919 when the Basilica project was resumed, its original Gothic design had been put aside to favor the Art Deco model, with which it would be easier and faster to finish building the church.
The most remarkable feature of this important chapel is its large size. Few European religious temples are as visible as this basilica, and as it is located on a hill, from its top you can see almost every corner of Brussels, being the best viewpoint of the city.
Similarly, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart has great significance for Belgium, as it is a symbol of resistance. It could not be inaugurated until 1975, more than forty years after King Leopold laid the first stone.
This magnificent chapel, which had to withstand the blows of the two world wars and the very difficult post-war periods, is also famous for its beautiful stained glass windows, its high ceilings, its impressive facade, its towers, its domes, its windows and other decorations.
Its colors also stand out, which are a peculiar mixture of green with the reddish color of the bricks and the terracotta of the facades.
In addition to its incredible works of art, its architectural design and its religious value, in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart we can find a restaurant, two museums, a radio station and even a theater.
Similarly, this Catholic temple is the most important for Flemish and Dutch speaking congregations, since much of the region is Protestant or Calvinist.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart can receive about 3,500 people within its immense walls. Due to its peculiarities, this is one of the most visited tourist spots in Brussels, but the crowds rarely completely fill the church.
If you want to discover this great jewel of Art Deco, you can go to see it any day of the year, since its doors are always open to receive new visitors.
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