Basiliek Van Koekelberg

Dear Friend of Flanders,

While the world is going through difficult times because of the COVID-19 virus, the same goes for Flanders. But the situation is becoming more positive, and measures are being relaxed.

Below you will find a summary of the most relevant information.

Shops, museums, historic buildings, monuments, castles and zoos have been opened since 18th of May.

Restaurants, cafes and bars reopened on 8th June, and can stay open until 1am (at the latest). Safety measures are in place including having a secure distance between tables, providing table service for food and drink only, with a maximum of 10 people per table. Waiters and table service staff are obliged to wear a face mask.

Daytrips and travels within the country were also made possible on 8th June. As from 15th June, Belgium has opened its borders for travel to and from the European Union, and other European countries including the UK and the four Schengen countries (Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway).Decisions about travelling outside Europe will be taken at a later stage.

From 1st July onwards, amusement parks, theatres, cinemas, swimming pools, wellness centres, casinos, gaming and conference halls can reopen, under certain conditions.

Reception rooms and ballrooms can also open, with a limit of 50 people, again with certain conditions followed.

The general rules already in force for other activities, such as the mandatory observance of safety distances, the introduction of time slots and crowd management, the cleaning of infrastructure and the wearing of face masks are still strongly recommended. Regular events held in permanent infrastructures and one-off events taking place in the public space are also subject to a capacity limit: 200 people indoors and 400 people outdoors.

Mass gatherings such as festivals and other events with large crowds remain prohibited until 31st August.

Meanwhile, the public and visitors are always advised to abide by certain basic rules, such as washing hands regularly and keeping a social distance (1.5m). On public transport, the wearing of face masks is compulsory for anyone 12 years or over.

If you are planning a trip to Flanders in the near future, please consult your local government’s advice or contact your tour operator for the most up-to-date information, relevant to your stay.

If you require more in depth information on the Covid-19 situation in Belgium, please click here to consult the official website of the Belgian federal government.

Current information and inspiration can also be found via our VISITFLANDERS social media channels.

We hope to welcome you soon, with twice the heart, love and hospitality. You are most welcome!
Warm regards,
VISITFLANDERS

With regard to the surface, the Basilica of Koekelberg is the fifth largest church in the world, after the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro in Ivory Coast, the Saint-Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Saint-Paul’s Cathedral of London and the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower in Florence. Today, the church is first of all a place to pray for peace. The Basilica is still used for parochial services and for large national services. But the church is more than that: it is a beautiful art deco monument: there are two museums which organise different exhibitions twice a year, and you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of Brussels.