Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Brussels

Name: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Address: Brussels, Belgium

#15 among attractions in Brussels

Memorial

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Map

Gallery

Facts and practical information

In the heart of Brussels, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands as a solemn memorial dedicated to the unidentified soldiers who perished during World Wars I and II. This poignant monument symbolizes the nation's gratitude towards all those who gave their lives for Belgium's freedom, while also serving as a stark reminder of the cost of war.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is situated at the foot of the Congress Column, another significant landmark in the city. It was inaugurated on November 11, 1922, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the Armistice Day that marked the end of World War I. The remains of an unknown soldier were interred here, chosen from among several unidentified Belgian soldiers, to represent all those who died without recognition.

A key feature of the memorial is the eternal flame that burns in front of the tomb, a symbol of everlasting remembrance. This flame is rekindled every year on Armistice Day in a ceremony attended by national dignitaries, military personnel, and the public, who gather to pay their respects.

Visitors to the site can observe the neoclassical design of the Congress Column, under which the tomb is placed. The area around the tomb is often quiet, providing a space for contemplation and reflection on the sacrifices made by those who fought for the country's independence and peace.

Local name: Tombe du Soldat inconnu Coordinates: 50°51'0"N, 4°21'49"E

Address

Bruxelles-Ville (Notre-Dame aux Neiges)Brussels Belgium

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Day trips

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: À la Mort Subite, Hôtel des Galeries, Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, Belgian Comic Strip Center.

~1770 ftW
Nightlife
À la Mort Subite, Saint-Josse-ten-Noode
9 min walk • À la Mort Subite is a typical Brussels café, located at Rue Montagne-aux-Herbes Potagères 7, which was originally run by Théophile Vossen, the inventor of Mort Subite beer. It is known for its authentic early-20th-century decor.
0.4 miW
Shopping, Shopping centre
Hôtel des Galeries, Brussels
11 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Brussels, Hôtel des Galeries is a charming boutique hotel that offers a unique experience for visitors looking to indulge in the city's vibrant shopping and cultural scene. Situated within the historic Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, this hotel...
~1160 ftSW
Church, Gothic architecture, Sacred and religious sites
Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, Brussels
6 min walk • The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula is a towering testament to Gothic architecture and a cherished landmark in the heart of Brussels, Belgium. This majestic church, dedicated to the patron saints of Brussels, has played a pivotal role in the country's history...
~880 ftNW
Museum, Art Nouveau architecture, Art museum
Belgian Comic Strip Center, Brussels
5 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Brussels, the Belgian Comic Strip Center is a vibrant homage to the illustrious tradition of Belgian comics. Located within a stunning Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta, the museum celebrates the colorful world of comic strips that...
0.4 miNW
Square
Rogier, Saint-Josse-ten-Noode
11 min walk • Place Charles Rogier, commonly known as Rogier, is a significant square located in the heart of Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, one of the nineteen municipalities that make up the Brussels-Capital Region in Belgium. This bustling area is named after Charles Rogier, a Belgian...
~1680 ftN
Park, Garden, Botanical garden
Botanical Garden of Brussels, Brussels
9 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, the Botanical Garden of Brussels is a verdant oasis amid the bustling city life of Belgium's capital. This historical garden, which dates back to the early 19th century, offers a tranquil retreat for nature lovers and a...
~1880 ftNW
50°51'11"N • 4°21'25"E
Galeria Inno, Brussels
10 min walk • Shopping, Shopping centre, Department store
~1850 ftW
Nightlife, Cinema
Cinéma Nova, Brussels
9 min walk • Nova is a non-profit Belgian movie theater, located in Brussels, which opened in January 1997.
~1420 ftS
Park, Garden
Brussels Park, Brussels
7 min walk • Brussels Park is the largest urban public park in central Brussels, Belgium. Formerly known as the Royal Park, it was also the city's first public park. The area of the rectangular park is 13.1 ha.
~30 ftW
Memorial, Joseph Poelaert, Monuments and statues
Congress Column, Brussels
1 min walk • The Congress Column is a monumental column in Brussels, Belgium, which commemorates the creation of the Belgian Constitution by the National Congress of 1830–31.
~1280 ftNE
Architecture, Convention center, Concert hall
Le Botanique, Brussels
7 min walk • Le Botanique or Kruidtuin is a cultural complex and music venue in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, Brussels. The building was previously the main orangery of the National Botanic Garden of Belgium and even as part of the garden had hosted cultural events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?

Nearby attractions include Congress Column, Brussels (1 min walk), Rue Royale, Brussels (1 min walk), Cirque Royal, Brussels (4 min walk), Toy Museum, Brussels (4 min walk).

How to get to Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by public transport?

The nearest stations to Tomb of the Unknown Soldier:

Tram

Congrès - Congres • Lines: 92, 93 (2 min walk)
Parc - Park • Lines: 92, 93 (6 min walk)

Train

Brussels-Congress (4 min walk)
Bruxelles-Central - Brussel-Centraal (11 min walk)

Bus

de Berlaimont • Lines: N18 (4 min walk)
Treurenberg • Lines: 29, 63, 65, 66, N05 (5 min walk)

Metro

Madou • Lines: 2, 6 (7 min walk)
Botanique - Kruidtuin • Lines: 2, 6 (8 min walk)

Ferry

Quai des Péniches - Akenkaai • Lines: Wb (25 min walk)
Sainctelette • Lines: Wb (26 min walk)