Église Notre-Dame de Laeken

A Quiet Majesty Beneath Laeken Beneath the neo-Gothic Church of Our Lady in Laeken lies Belgium’s royal crypt, the final resting place of kings and queens including Leopold I and Queen Astrid. The space exudes solemn dignity, with elegant stonework and a reverent atmosphere that invites reflection. Access to the crypt is limited—it's only open to the public a couple of days per year, from 2 PM to 5 PM, so planning ahead is essential. For those interested in history, architecture, or royal heritage, this hidden sanctuary offers a moving and memorable experience.

Beautiful structure and so majestic. Unfortunately we couldn’t go exploring inside because it was too early (8am). They open at 2pm. We just walk around the church.

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.

I cannot speak to the quality of mass or any of the specifics about the church as I am not Catholic, but the architecture of this church is breathtaking and going inside and walking around the church was absolutely worth the time. Beautiful and definitely inspiring. If you are in the area, highly recommend checking it up.

Neo-Gothic Roman Catholic church. It was originally built in memory of Queen Louise-Marie, wife of King Leopold I, to the design of the architect Joseph Poelaert. The Royal Crypt underneath the church holds the tombs of the Belgian Royal Family, including all the former Kings of the Belgians. Beautiful church. A little bit far from city centre.

I enjoyed visiting this beautiful church and cemetery. If you like walking around in peace, admiring lovely historical sculptures, refreshing underground galleries, this will be a perfect opportunity to relax in sunshine in thé nearest bar afterwards.

A large church made of gray stone and beautiful stained-glass windows. Behind the church is a cemetery with old and fresh graves and urn burials. Strange, but I did not find the opportunity to put a candle

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.