Church of Our Lady of Laeken Brussels
Neo-Gothic church and crypt housing Belgian royalty, with a stunning adjacent cemetery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crypt access is limited
Church of Our Lady of Laeken Brussels
Best Time
Crypt access is limited
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Neo-Gothic church and crypt housing Belgian royalty, with a stunning adjacent cemetery.
"The graveyard is GORGEOUS but inside this church lays Leopold II, so it really houses very, very evil things."
📅 Crypt Visit Schedule
Check monthly schedules for crypt access; it's often only open once. :ticket:
🌳 Explore the Cemetery
The graveyard is stunning and historically rich, a must-see! :evergreen_tree:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Royal Crypt
Underneath the church
Descend into the final resting place of Belgian royalty, a solemn and historically significant site.
Neo-Gothic Architecture
Admire the stunning neo-Gothic design, characterized by its ornate spires and impressive facade.
Laeken Cemetery
Explore the adjacent, 'gorgeous' cemetery, noted for its unique beauty and historical significance.
Planning Your Visit
Royal Crypt Access
Beyond the Spire
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📅 Crypt Visit Schedule
Check monthly schedules for crypt access; it's often only open once. :ticket:
🌳 Explore the Cemetery
The graveyard is stunning and historically rich, a must-see! :evergreen_tree:
🏛️ Admire the Facade
The neo-Gothic architecture is a highlight, even if you can't enter the crypt. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Public Transport
Use public transport to reach the church; it's efficient and cost-effective. :bus:
Tips
from all over the internet
📅 Crypt Visit Schedule
Check monthly schedules for crypt access; it's often only open once. :ticket:
🌳 Explore the Cemetery
The graveyard is stunning and historically rich, a must-see! :evergreen_tree:
🏛️ Admire the Facade
The neo-Gothic architecture is a highlight, even if you can't enter the crypt. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Public Transport
Use public transport to reach the church; it's efficient and cost-effective. :bus:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are drawn to the Church of Our Lady of Laeken for its impressive neo-Gothic architecture and the historical significance of its royal crypt. However, access to the crypt is highly restricted, often limited to once a month, which can be a point of disappointment. The adjacent cemetery is frequently praised for its beauty and unique atmosphere. +1
"It was all closed up. A shame: A saint of modern history is buried in the crypt (Albert), and I wanted to see that. A devilish character is within, too (Leopold II). Pretty significant history but, alas, unavailable--even in the height of summer tourist season."
john sherman
"Absolutely fabulous church ⛪️, the blue ceiling is gorgeous!"
Zana Suran
"This church should be a stop during your Brussels tour. It may look at first like any other church from big European cities but this may be true, but you experience something much more special in here.
I recommend you visit the cemetery next door. This way you get much better views of the church and you feel much different about the place. To make the most of the experience as well, come here during the church’s opening hours so you get the chance to have a look inside this magical church.
With no exaggeration, this is one of the prettiest churches i visited in europe. It’s strange to say but yes, i will be coming back !
Free Parking space is available in front of the cemetery entrance. Free public toilets available too."
Jad Badran
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Church of Our Lady of Laeken is accessible via public transport. Many visitors recommend using trams or buses, which are efficient and cost-effective in Brussels. You can pay directly with your bank card, phone, or smartwatch at the validators on board for a cheaper fare than paper tickets.
While not directly on the main tourist circuit like the Grand Place, it's part of the broader Brussels landscape. Travelers often see it from their windows or include it in a wider exploration of the city.
For getting around Brussels, including to the Church of Our Lady of Laeken, public transport is highly recommended. Trams, buses, and the metro are convenient. You can use contactless payment directly on the vehicle for the best rates.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General entry to the church itself is usually free, but access to the royal crypt is restricted.
The crypt, which houses the Belgian royal family, has very limited visiting hours, often only once per month. It's essential to check the specific schedule in advance.
Beyond the limited crypt access, the church's main areas are typically open during daylight hours for visitors to admire the architecture.
The cemetery adjacent to the church is generally accessible without an admission fee, allowing visitors to explore its grounds.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you can admire the neo-Gothic architecture. The main draw for many is the opportunity to visit the royal crypt, the burial place of Belgian monarchs.
Travelers describe the Laeken cemetery as 'gorgeous' and one of the most interesting in the city. It offers a unique atmosphere and historical insights.
While often referred to as a church, it holds significant historical and royal importance. It's not typically classified as a cathedral in the same way as St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral.
Its primary significance lies in being the burial site for the Belgian royal family, including King Leopold II, within its crypt.
Photography rules can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask an attendant, especially regarding the crypt.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior, with its neo-Gothic spires, offers great photo opportunities. The adjacent cemetery also provides unique and atmospheric shots.
Photography policies can differ. While exterior shots are generally fine, it's advisable to confirm rules for the interior, particularly in sensitive areas like the crypt.
Architectural photography focusing on the spires and details of the church, as well as atmospheric shots of the cemetery, are popular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Royal Crypt: A Glimpse into Belgian History
Visitors who manage to gain entry describe the experience as historically significant. The presence of police guarding the crypt during visiting times underscores its importance and the reverence associated with it.
While the crypt is the main draw for historical enthusiasts, the church's neo-Gothic architecture is also a sight to behold. Its ornate spires and detailed facade are impressive, offering a beautiful visual experience even from the outside.
Beyond the Walls: The Laeken Cemetery
Exploring this cemetery allows for a different perspective on the area's history and local life. It’s a place where the ornate spires of the church can be seen in the background, adding to the atmospheric setting.
Navigating Brussels: Public Transport Tips
A key tip for travelers is the contactless payment system. Instead of buying paper tickets, you can pay directly with your bank card, phone, or smartwatch at the gray validators on any public transport vehicle (metro, bus, tram). This method is not only faster but also cheaper, costing €2.10 per trip compared to €2.60 for a paper ticket.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit