Eglise Notre-Dame de Laeken (Church of Our Lady of Laeken), Brussels

Constructed in commemoration of Louise-Marie d'Orléans, Belgium's first queen and the second wife of Leopold I, this neo-Gothic church received approval for its construction through a royal decree on October 14, 1850, just days after Queen Louise-Marie's passing. It continues to serve as the final resting place for every Belgian monarch and queen who has reigned since the country's independence in 1830. To be precise, this comprises only five monarchs interred here, yet the crypt holds a distinct fascination.

King Leopold I, the dynasty's progenitor, occupies a prominent tomb at the center of the crypt, while the other monarchs and their consorts share individual sarcophagi along the walls (except for Leopold III, who shares a single sarcophagus with both his wives). What may strike visitors is the crypt's lack of grandeur and its unassuming appearance, quite different from expectations for the burial place of monarchs. Each tomb is adorned with small frames containing black-and-white photographs of the entombed king or queen, reminiscent of features found in numerous Catholic cemeteries across Europe.

The rest of the church has aesthetic appeal both inside and out, though there isn't much else to explore. Accessing the Royal Crypt when it's open is a bit more of a challenge. Annual opening dates are typically posted on the Belgian monarchy's website; however, these details may occasionally be elusive or lack specific opening times. The church itself lacks an up-to-date website, so the precise schedule is often found only on the church's doors. While this may feel like discovering a hidden treasure, a bit of research will ensure a rewarding visit, offering a unique glimpse into how Belgian kings and queens prefer to be laid to rest as ordinary individuals.

Why You Should Visit:
Impressive and very tall church with an even more impressive cemetery behind it that holds a multitude of intriguing graves, tombs, and sculptures that serve as works of art in their own right.

Tip:
Note that the church is open in the afternoon, while the cemetery can be visited throughout the day from Tuesday to Sunday. Before your visit, it's advisable to check the mausoleum's hours of operation, which are typically on Sunday afternoons.