These 5 little-known churches in Brussels hide architectural treasures that few visitors are aware of

It’s impossible to miss when you arrive at Place de l’Altitude Cent. With its monumental reinforced concrete silhouette crowned by an imposing copper dome, Saint-Augustin Church is one of the finest examples of Art Deco religious architecture in Belgium. Built between 1932 and 1935, it stands in stark contrast to the capital’s more traditional churches thanks to its geometric lines, its resolutely modern style, and its impressive bell tower rising to nearly 60 meters. Inside, the light filtering through the colorful stained-glass windows highlights a vast, uncluttered space, typical of 1930s architecture. Listed as a historic monument, it is today one of Brussels’ most underappreciated architectural gems, despite its location in the heart of a bustling neighborhood.

Although less well-known than other religious buildings in Brussels, the Church of Saint-Suzanne is well worth a visit. Built between 1925 and 1928, it is one of Belgium’s first modernist churches and stands out for its elegant Art Deco architecture, which blends reinforced concrete, brick, and clean geometric lines. Its slender bell tower and understated façade contrast with a light-filled interior, where the stained-glass windows and spacious volumes create a particularly soothing atmosphere. Listed as a historic monument, it perfectly illustrates the revival of religious architecture in the early 20th century and remains a true hidden gem, far from the usual tourist routes.

Overlooking the Saint-Jean-Baptiste square, this impressive church is one of Belgium’s largest Art Deco religious buildings. Dedicated in 1932 and designed by architect Joseph Diongre, it replaced an older church that had become too small to keep pace with Molenbeek’s growth. Furthermore, built of reinforced concrete and clad in brick, it captivates with its clean lines, its immense rose window, its slender bell tower, and its light-filled interior. Its modern architecture stands in stark contrast to the traditional churches of Brussels, making it a trueArt Deco masterpiece—one that remains all too often overlooked by visitors.

Long before it became one of Brussels’ liveliest neighborhoods, Anderlecht developed around this remarkable collegiate church, whose origins date back to the 10th century. The current building, constructed primarily between the 14th and 16th centuries in an elegant Brabant Gothic style, houses a rich heritage, remarkable stained-glass windows, and a superb chapel dedicated to Saint Guidon, the patron saint of Anderlecht. Just a short walk away is the House of Erasmus, where the famous humanist stayed in 1521, further enhancing the neighborhood’s historical significance. Though often overshadowed by the grand churches in central Brussels, the collegiate church is nonetheless one of the capital’s most beautiful religious monuments.

With its slender spires towering over the Laeken neighborhood, this majestic Neo-Gothic church looks as if it came straight out of a fairy tale. Built between 1854 and 1909 according to the plans of architect Joseph Poelaert—who would later design the Palace of Justice— it was commissioned by King Leopold I as a tribute to his wife, Queen Louise-Marie. Its interior impresses with its soaring height, elegant stained-glass windows, and sculpted details, while its royal crypt houses the tombs of Belgian monarchs. Although it is located just a few minutes from downtown, it remains surprisingly undervisited and is one of the most beautiful religious buildings in Brussels.