Koekelberg is one of several regions that surround the the capital city of Brussels. Although we've been to Brussels several times, we had never visited The National Basillica of Sacre' Coeur at Koekelberg. It's one of the largest churches (kerk) in the world. It's also art deco so it's definitely non-traditional.
On the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence, King Leopold II wanted to transform Koekelberg into a royal district. He even wanted to build a Pantheon. This idea didn't receive much support (imagine that) so he decided to build a "national sanctuary" instead.
The King wanted it to be comparable to the Sacre' Coeur in Montmarte (Paris).
King Leopold II himself laid the first stone on Belgium's 75th anniversary of independence in 1905.
King Leopold II also wanted the church to be comparable to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris complete with its "Champs Elysees" leading to the city center. Although it was foggy, you can see the grounds are beautiful. The center of Brussels is in the distance. It's just a little hard to tell with the fog and all :~|
No surprise on the shape. There is no question this church is huge and definitely a prime example of art deco architecture.
We arrived a little early for the opening of the on-site museum so we had a beer in the restaurant in the basement. Surprised? Don't be. After all we were in a Catholic church in Belgium.
And they had Leffe on tap.
Since we were showing the American visitor around, we also made a quick tour of Brussels, visited the beautiful Palais de Justice, touched the golden statue of Everard 't Serclaes for good luck, reluctantly viewed the Manneken Pis again, and even took Winslow on his first subway ride.
This picture is tiny because Ross took it with his iPhone, emailed it to me and I have no idea how to make it bigger :~|
Then Ross took us to one of his favorite hangouts in Brussels - Delirium Cafe' .
They have over 2,000 beers on the menu and claim to have 100 beers on tap. Those are the taps mounted at the top of the bar. I definitely recommend the Delirium Tremens. Look for the pink elephant.
And if that weren't enough, Ross gave us a quick tour of Leuven which is just as beautiful at night.
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