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Brussels, Heizel and Koekelberg
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We visit Heizel and Koekelberg by public transport
There is something special about Koekelberg: a long and broad lane connects it to the heart of the city. This was king Leopold II’s idea, but he never lived to see Koekelberg Basilica built. The basilica is of course one of this area’s showpieces. A little further to the north lies the Heizel plateau, where the Expo '58 was held. This is still an important tourist draw, and home to the Atomium, the Japanese Towers, the Chinese Pavilion, Mini-Europe and much more.
Take the metro to SIMONIS. When you come above ground you will have a good view of the rectilinearity of this main road to Koekelberg. This was the idea of Leopold II. However, he never lived to see the Koekelberg basilica built.
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Koekelberg Basilica
Its real name is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and it is a national basilica. Therefore contributions are required from every church community. The cost of this prestigious church ran so high that it took almost 60 years to finish. It was inaugurated in 1951 but not completed until 1970.
The basilica was built for important events at which a mass of people might be expected. This gigantic church is architecturally similar to the Sacre-Coeur in Paris. In fact Leopold II ordered it to be built after visiting the Parisian church. The Basilica is open to the public and inside you will find an exhibition on the building work. If you would like to view Brussels from a height, you can always take the lift to the dome (90 metres high).
The Heizel Plateau
You are on the grounds of the 1958 World Exhibition, known back then as “Expo 58”. A number of the exhibition halls date from this period. The Atomium is, of course, the most important surviving relic. The Atomium is the celebrated unit cell of an iron crystal enlarged 165 billion times. Now restored to its former glory after radical alterations.
Bruparck and various attractions
---> The Village: this central section mainly contains restaurants;
---> Mini-Europe: the top attraction at Bruparck. No less than 350 models of the most beautiful spots and monuments in Europe take you too the heart of more than 70 European cities;
---> Océade: the sub-tropical swimming paradise;
---> Kinépolis and the Imax hall for 3-D films on a gigantic screen.
Planetarium
The Planetarium lies between Bruparck and the Heizel stadium. Expect a magnificent projection of the starry sky.
Chinese Pavilion and Japanese Tower
Both are worth visiting, of course, for their typical building styles and interiors. They also host exhibitions relating to Eastern culture.
The Chinese pavilion and Japanese Tower are on Jules Van Praetlaan. A few hundred metres further you will find the Royal Palace of Laken (residence of prince Filip), on Koninklijke Parklaan. More information: http://www.kmkg-mrah.be.
Royal Conservatory
Every year the Royal Conservatories are opened to the public for a short period.
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Picture: © iStockphoto.com/Franky De Meyer
Text: GVDV/RD - © AT-Europe bvba
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