Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the heart of the European Union, is a city rich in history and culture. Beyond its prestigious institutions and lively neighborhoods, Brussels also hides fascinating abandoned places, perfect for urbex enthusiasts. These sites, often unknown, offer a unique dive into a bygone past, hidden from view. Here are the five most unmissable urbex sites to discover in the Brussels region.
1: The Military Hospital of Neder-Over-Heembeek
The Military Hospital of Neder-Over-Heembeek is one of the most famous urbex sites in Brussels. This hospital, once used by the Belgian army, has been abandoned, offering today a captivating exploration ground. The deserted operating rooms, dark corridors and abandoned medical equipment create an atmosphere that is both eerie and fascinating.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Operating rooms, patient rooms, laboratories.
- State of Disrepair: Advanced, with signs of deterioration and vandalism.
- Access: Moderate, but some parts are closed to the public.
2: The Tour & Taxis Maritime Station
Located on the historic Tour & Taxis site, the Gare Maritime is another gem for urban explorers. Although some buildings have been restored, the maritime station remains partially abandoned. This former logistics centre, with its vast warehouses and disused quays, bears witness to the intense industrial activity of Brussels at the beginning of the 20th century.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Warehouses, loading docks, offices.
- State of Disrepair: Partially renovated, but some areas remain in ruins.
- Access: Relatively easy, with some parts being accessible during events.
3: The Abandoned Tunnel of Cureghem
The Cureghem Tunnel is a little-known but fascinating place for urbex enthusiasts. This railway tunnel, disused for several decades, extends under the streets of Brussels, offering a dark and mysterious underground labyrinth. Although access is difficult, those who manage to enter discover a place full of mystery and graffiti.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Railway tunnel, disused tracks, graffiti.
- State of Disrepair: Moderate, with dark and damp areas.
- Access: Difficult, the entrance being largely secure.
4: The House of the Blessed Tree
The Maison de l'Arbre Bénit is an abandoned mansion located in a residential area of Brussels. This once splendid mansion is now abandoned, with its boarded-up windows and fallow gardens. The interior, although dilapidated, still retains remarkable architectural elements, such as sculpted fireplaces and majestic staircases.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Manor, abandoned garden, sculpted fireplaces.
- State of Disrepair: Advanced, with risks of collapse.
- Access: Restricted, the property is monitored.
5: The Abandoned Church of Laeken
The Abandoned Church of Laeken , though little known, is a fascinating urbex site for those seeking abandoned sacred places. This church, located not far from the famous Laeken cemetery, was deserted decades ago. Today, it stands as a silent monument to the faith gone by, with overturned pews, broken stained glass windows, and a crumbling altar.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Nave, altar, stained glass windows.
- State of Disrepair: Advanced, with signs of vandalism and natural decay.
- Access: Moderate, but some areas are unstable.
Conclusion
Brussels, often perceived as a modern and dynamic city, is home to many abandoned places that offer a unique experience to urbex enthusiasts. These sites, whether medical, industrial or religious, bear witness to a bygone past, frozen in time. For urban adventurers, exploring these places means discovering a hidden side of the Belgian capital, far from the classic tourist circuits.
