Cemetery of Laeken

Few people know that the cemetery in Laeken is one of the oldest and most artistic cemeteries in Belgium, and that beneath the seemingly peaceful grounds lies an extensive network of catacombs. Walking through this place is like moving through time: grave monuments reveal forgotten symbolism that tells us about how previous generations dealt with life, death, and remembrance. In the 19th century, mourning was a social event, full of shared rituals and carefully designed memorials — a world that contrasts sharply with today's individual, subdued burial culture.

You walk past the graves of historical figures such as Joseph Poelaert, designer of the Palace of Justice, Marie Poppelin, pioneer of women's rights, and Emile Bockstael, the last mayor of Laeken. Artists such as Fernand Khnopff, Alphonse Balat, architect of the Royal Greenhouses, and celebrities such as opera singer La Malibran found their final resting place here. Their graves are not only memorials, but also works of art in themselves — created by the hands of sculptors and architects who helped shape funerary art in Brussels. Each grave tells a story, from personal tragedy to social status.

During a guided tour, you will not only discover these masterpieces, but also the underground catacombs, a rare and impressive structure that is hardly found anywhere else in Belgium. It is not without reason that this cemetery is sometimes called the "Père Lachaise of Brussels": the wealth of art, stories, and emotions is overwhelming. Our guide brings the hidden layers, symbolism, and architecture to life—and ensures that you leave this special place with a whole new perspective.