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Église de la Sainte-Famille – Heilige Familiekerk

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Surely you’ve noticed the striking tower beside us. This is the \u00c9glise de la Sainte-Famille also known as the Heilige Familiekerk. It is the Church of the Holy Family in Schaerbeek. The \u00c9glise de la Sainte-Famille has a story marked by both architectural ambition and wartime compromise.

The \u00c9glise de la Sainte-Famille’s construction was decided by royal decree. The first stone was laid in 1900. Architect u00c9mar Collu00e8s designed the church in the Neo-Gothic style. However the church was not finished according to the original plans.

Look closely at the tower. The tower and nave weren’t built until around 1930. Franu00e7ois Vandendael designed them in the Art Deco style. The brick building features a striking tower to the right of the facade. It is topped by a helmet roof. Four corner turrets sport similar smaller helmet roofs.

Now for a twist wartime necessity changed the church forever. In May 1943 the German occupiers shortened the tower. They claimed it interfered with air traffic. The tower was rebuilt in 1964. It was restored to its former glory.

To the left of the facade there is a smaller tower. It also has a helmet roof. The 60-meter-high tower offers a sweeping view of the surroundings. This is because of its location on a hill.

Inside the \u00c9glise de la Sainte-Famille a special painting is preserved. It is called Onze-Lieve-Vrouw verschijnt aan de verdrukten. This translates to Our Lady appears to the afflicted. Fanny Geefs painted it. The Palais des Beaux-Arts entrusted it to the church. It came from the old Saint-Jean Hospital. The hospital was located opposite the Botanical Garden.

But here is a surprising fact half of the church has been deconsecrated including the bell tower. This happened in 2009. Despite this change the \u00c9glise de la Sainte-Famille remains a significant landmark. The \u00c9glise de la Sainte-Famille is a testament to architectural styles, wartime adaptations, and enduring art. The \u00c9glise de la Sainte-Famille stands as a symbol of Schaerbeek’s layered past.

After discovering the story of Église de la Sainte-Famille – Heilige Familiekerk in Brussels, you may wonder how to explore even more of what this vibrant destination has to offer. Explory makes it simple: our digital guide gives you instant access to the city’s culture, history, and unique atmosphere. With our interactive city guide, you can uncover the background of Brussels while following engaging routes designed for curious travelers. Whether you’re on a short trip or staying longer, Explory transforms your visit into a personalized city tour that connects stories with places in an intuitive way. Explory is more than just an ordinary travel tool – it is your companion for deeper exploration of Brussels. Each guide combines expert storytelling with easy navigation, allowing you to discover well-known highlights and hidden gems that most visitors overlook. With the city guide, you can plan your route across landmarks, neighborhoods, and cultural spots, all enriched by immersive audio storytelling. Our audio guide brings the atmosphere of Brussels directly to your ears, making each step of your journey more meaningful. Whether you are passionate about art, architecture, history, or everyday culture, Explory helps you connect with the spirit of Brussels. The carefully curated guide highlights what makes this city special, while the interactive city tour lets you explore on your own terms. Thanks to our focus on exploration and unique hidden gems, you’ll enjoy a travel experience that goes far beyond traditional sightseeing. Explory turns every visit into a memorable adventure where stories and places come alive. Download the Explory App now to continue your journey beyond Brussels. Inside the app, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories waiting for you. Whether you are searching for a smart audio guide, planning your next city tour, or simply looking for inspiration through a rich guide, Explory is your key to exploring the world differently. Start today and unlock the full potential of Brussels with Explory – your ultimate travel companion.

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