History of the Basilica of Koekelberg

The Basilica

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg: an Art Deco masterpiece

From the initial plans at the end of the 19th century to its final completion, almost a century passed.

The building you can now admire is a testament to contemporary art, refined by the structures of the spirit of the time with the desire to approach, as during the Renaissance, eternal beauty.

The concept for this religious building could only be realised through the collaboration between Albert Van Huffel, the architect and designer, Paul Rome, the engineer, and Harry Elstrøm, the sculptor. All three were innovators in their fields.

50th anniversary of Belgium's independence

King Leopold II aspired to erect a national pantheon on the Koekelberg plateau, as the focal point of a long avenue and as part of the redevelopment of Elisabeth Park, modelled on the one in Paris.

1880

12 October 1905 - Leopold II lays the foundation stone of the National Basilica

In his first design (1903), architect Pierre Langerock envisioned a grandiose neo-Gothic building inspired by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc's ‘ideal cathedral’.

1905

Pastoral letter of 1914 from Cardinal Mercier

Cardinal Mercier wrote: "As soon as the sun of peace shines on our country, we will once again give a home to those who no longer have one, we will rebuild our churches and libraries, and we hope to crown these works with the construction of the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the high plateau of Koekelberg.”

1914

Architecture Grand Prix

Albert Van Huffel won the Grand Prix de l'Architecture for his model of the Basilica at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris in 1925.

1925

January 1929 - Change of foundation

Replacing neo-Gothic foundations with art deco foundations.

1929

16 March 1935 - Death of Albert Van Huffel

The architect who designed the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg and winner of the Grand Prix de l'Architecture (Paris, 1925), he gave the building its Art Deco signature. His death left Paul Rome with the task of completing the work in keeping with his spirit.

1935

13 and 14 October 1951 - Consecration of the church

Cardinal Joseph Van Roey presided over the impressive ceremonies for the consecration of the church.

1951

28 January 1952 - The Basilica becomes a Minor Basilica

Pope Pius XII honours the Basilica with the title of Minor Basilica.

1952

Completion of the construction of the two towers

The completion of the towers gives the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg its iconic Art Deco silhouette, inherited from the audacity of Albert Van huffel and the mastery of Paul Rome, at the end of a construction project that spanned two world wars.

1953

Completion of the south transept

The completion of the south transept brings a new sense of light and balance to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg. True to the Art Deco style conceived by Albert Van Huffel and led by Paul Rome, this stage consolidates the monumental silhouette of the building and improves the flow of worshippers and visitors.

1958

Completion of the north transept

The completion of the north transept completes the architectural balance of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg.

1962

Completion of the construction of the large dome

The crowning glory of the Art Deco ensemble, the dome accentuates the silhouette of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg against the Brussels skyline. Designed by Albert Van Huffel and completed by Paul Rome, it magnifies the interior light and consecrates the architectural ambition of the monument.

1969

Completion of the basilica's construction

After nearly a century of design and construction work, interrupted by two wars, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg was finally completed. The culmination of Albert Van Huffel's vision, continued by Paul Rome, this Art Deco building is an integral part of the Brussels skyline and Belgium's architectural heritage.

1969

Inauguration

Under the presidency of Cardinal Léon-Joseph Suenens, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg is officially inaugurated during grand public ceremonies, marking its entry into Brussels life.

1970

Death of Paul Rome

As engineer-architect and project manager for the completion, Paul Rome faithfully continued Albert Van Huffel's work. This is a tribute to a discreet and decisive builder, without whom the skyline we know today would not exist.

1989

Visit of Pope Francis

On the occasion of the 600th anniversary of the University of Leuven (UC Leuven and KU Leuven), Pope Francis made an apostolic visit to Belgium. At the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg, he met with the Belgian Church: 3,200 priests, deacons, religious brothers and sisters, pastoral leaders, and religious teachers were present to listen to the Pope. Saturday, September 28, 2024, was an unforgettable and historic day!

2024