Belgium is rich in religious heritage: from immense Gothic cathedrals to intimate village churches. Although many churches are centuries old with the architectural challenges that come with that, most have been thoroughly tackled in recent years to make them accessible for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility. In this guide we lead you past the loveliest accessible churches and cathedrals in Belgium, each time with an honest description of what to expect.
Antwerp Cathedral of Our Lady: Gothic monumentality
The Antwerp Cathedral of Our Lady is, with its 123-metre tower, one of the highest cathedrals in Europe. The main entrance on the Handschoenmarkt has a threshold, but there is an adapted side entrance on the north side via a gentle ramp. Once inside you are in a level nave, and the wide aisles between the Gothic pillars offer plenty of space for manoeuvring. The four Rubens works are all visible from the ground floor.
Saint Bavo's Cathedral Ghent: a masterpiece and an adapted route
Saint Bavo's Cathedral Ghent houses the famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers. The main entrance has been made step-free and the visitor route is adapted for wheelchair users. The Mystic Lamb sits in an accessible chapel, and adapted audio guides are available in four languages. For those who also want to visit the crypt: it is only accessible by stairs, but the modern digital presentation gives a good alternative impression of it.
Saint Rumbold's Cathedral Mechelen: historic splendour
Saint Rumbold's Cathedral Mechelen has a step-free entrance on the south side. The nave is level and offers a spectacular view of the famous altarpiece and the stained-glass windows. The tower is unfortunately accessible only by stairs; for those who want to enjoy the view, a digital tour is available as an alternative at the reception.
Saint Saviour's Cathedral Bruges: the city's oldest
Saint Saviour's Cathedral Bruges is the oldest parish church in Bruges and has been a cathedral since 1834. The main entrance is step-free and the nave is level. The treasury museum has a flight of stairs but, with assistance from staff, can also be reached by an internal lift.
Tournai Cathedral of Our Lady: UNESCO World Heritage
Tournai Cathedral of Our Lady has been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage since 2000. The combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles makes it architecturally unique. The adapted entrance on the south side gives access to the full visitor route.
Saint Paul's Cathedral Liege: Baroque splendour
Saint Paul's Cathedral Liege is a beautiful late Gothic and Baroque ensemble. The step-free entrance and the level nave make a wheelchair-friendly visit possible.
Basilicas: monumental and accessible
Belgium has several major basilicas that serve as places of pilgrimage and therefore often pay extra attention to accessibility:
- Basilica of Koekelberg in Brussels: the largest Art Deco church in the world, fully accessible via a step-free entrance and lift to the panoramic platform.
- Basilica of Halle: late Gothic masterpiece with an adapted entrance.
- Scherpenheuvel Basilica: Belgium's most important Marian pilgrimage site, with an adapted entrance and a wheelchair-friendly pilgrimage route.
- Saint Servatius Basilica Grimbergen: step-free entrance and level nave.
- Saint Dimpna Basilica Geel: adapted side entrance and level nave.
Churches in small towns: often surprising
Smaller parish churches have also often become well accessible. The Saint Walburga Church Veurne, the Saint Nicholas Church Veurne, the Saint Peter's Church Anderlecht and the Saint Peter's Church Leuven prove that a historic village church and modern accessibility can go hand in hand.
Practical tips
- Check opening times. Many churches are only open during specific hours or for services. The town's tourist information office gives current details.
- Use audio guides. Many large churches offer free audio guides in several languages, often with content put together specifically with attention for those with limited mobility.
- Ask about guided tours. Some churches offer adapted guided tours on request for groups of wheelchair users.
- Combine with a cafe stop. Town-centre churches often lie close to accessible cafes, ideal for a break.
Combination tip: Veurne as a churches town
Veurne offers a unique chance to visit three historic churches in half a day: the Saint Nicholas Church Veurne and the Saint Walburga Church Veurne, both on the Grote Markt. Combine with a drink at Cafe De Vrede Veurne for a wheelchair-friendly church day.