The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Brussels began with a neo-Gothic plan by Pierre Langerock. Albert Van Huffel's Art Deco design was adopted, and Paul Rome completed it after Van Huffel died in 1935. King Leopold II initiated the project, and the Catholic Church received the land. Construction began in 1905 and finished in 1970. The infobox lists consecration in 1935, but the text says that was the opening for worship and consecration came in 1951.
The article calls the style Art Deco with neo-Byzantine inspiration. It uses reinforced concrete, terracotta layering, bricks, Burgundy stone and copper roofs. It is 540 feet (164.5 m) long, about 351 feet (107 m) wide and 292 feet (89 m) high.
It became a minor basilica in 1952, and Father Damien was beatified there in 1995. Masses are held in Dutch and French, and it also hosts exhibitions and two museums. The article gives no hours.
Comments