Overview

Strategically located on one of the capital’s highest points, Saint-Augustin church boasts a distinctive Art Deco aesthetic. It was completed in 1935. Architects Léon Guiannotte and André Watteyne chose a "pyramidal" structure with a central bell tower and an almost circular plan, so that the church could present a visually attractive angle to each of the eight avenues that converge on the crossroads at its centre. According to surviving plans, the church’s proportions are based on the sacred cubit of the Egyptians. The layout, in the shape of a Greek cross set in a circle, symbolises the mystical sign of the world. Like Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean and Sainte-Suzanne in Schaerbeek, Saint-Augustin is made of reinforced concrete. The church boasts an admirable collection of stained glass windows designed by Guiannotte himself and created by master stained glass artist Paul Steyaert. The Art Deco aesthetic of the stained glass windows in the tower combines with the traditionalist trend that inspired the design of the other windows. On a sunny day, the building’s immaculate interior is beautifully lit up in shades of mauve, red, yellow and blue. (CL 08/08/1988) Self-guided tours Saturday from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm and Sunday from 11.30 am to 5.00 pm. Guided tours on Saturday at 10.00 am (FR), 11.00 am (FR), 2.00 pm (FR), 3.00 pm (FR), 4.00 pm (duration 45 min, maximum 20 people per departure). In collaboration with ARAU, Atelier de Recherche et d'Action Urbaines. Guided tours on Sunday at 11.30 am (FR), 12.00 pm (FR), 1.00 pm (FR), 1.30 pm (EN), 2.00 pm (FR), 2.30 pm (FR), 3.00 pm (FR), 4.00 pm (FR), 4.30 pm (FR) (duration 45 min, maximum 20 people per departure). In collaboration with Etablissement Culturel Saint Augustin. Access to the panorama is only available on guided tours. To get there, you have to climb 200 steps in four stages. Guided tour in Belgian French sign language - Saturday at 15:30 and Sunday at 13:00.

Practical information

Saturday from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00, Sunday from 11:30 to 17:00

place de l’Altitude Cent, 1190 Forest

Advance booking not required.

Accessible with assistance

Belgian-French sign language visit

Address
place de l’Altitude Cent, 1190 Forest